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	<title>Residences Manila &#187; Finding a Home</title>
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	<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com</link>
	<description>Manila Home Buyers &#38; Home Sellers Guide</description>
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		<title>Simple Ways to Invest in Real Estate</title>
		<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/08/27/simple-ways-to-invest-in-real-estate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/08/27/simple-ways-to-invest-in-real-estate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:44:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maita Siquijor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine Real Estate Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing a condominium]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing a neighborhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finding a Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[firs time home buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First time home buyers guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyer tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyers and sellers guide Philippines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine real estate guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine real estate investment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residences Manila]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.residencesmanila.com/?p=345</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/08/27/simple-ways-to-invest-in-real-estate/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="195" height="110" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG00463-20100821-1619-e1283193654369-195x110.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="Simple ways to invest in real estate" title="Simple ways to invest in real estate" /></a>You may wish to buy a second house or condo to generate additional income for you. But what type of real estate investment will best suit you?]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Philippine Home Buyers: Avoid Common Buying Mistakes</title>
		<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/08/18/philippine-home-buyers-avoid-common-buying-mistakes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/08/18/philippine-home-buyers-avoid-common-buying-mistakes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:39:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maita Siquijor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legal and Documentation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finding a Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First time home buyers guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyer tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine real estate guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residences Manila]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.residencesmanila.com/?p=339</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/08/18/philippine-home-buyers-avoid-common-buying-mistakes/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="195" height="110" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG00333-20100809-0808-195x110.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="Can you find out the history of offers on the house?" title="Buying a Home: What&#039;s the market&#039;s perception of the pricing?" /></a>It takes just some prudence, patience and a little research to avoid the most common of home buying mistakes.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>After Basyang: Thinking of Selling Your House?</title>
		<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/07/21/after-basyang-thinking-of-selling-your-house/</link>
		<comments>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/07/21/after-basyang-thinking-of-selling-your-house/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:50:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maita Siquijor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Alabang]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Articles & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fort Bonifacio Global City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Sellers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legaspi Village, Makati]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Makati]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine Real Estate Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rockwell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salcedo Village, Makati]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Selling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finding a Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home sellers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home selling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine home buyers guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine home guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine home sellers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine real estate guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residences Manila]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.residencesmanila.com/?p=323</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com/2010/07/21/after-basyang-thinking-of-selling-your-house/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="195" height="110" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/DSC00627-195x110.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="Ayala Alabang after Typhoon Basyang" title="Ayala Alabang after Typhoon Basyang" /></a>If news of yet another typhoon and thoughts of avoiding yet another prospective flood are making you want to move homes, don't rush.  Review your options with the help of these simple guide questions. ]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Choose Your Neighborhood First, Best Condo After</title>
		<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/12/19/neighborhood-first-before-class/</link>
		<comments>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/12/19/neighborhood-first-before-class/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:48:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maita Siquijor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best-in-Class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing a neighborhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finding a Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine home buyer advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine home buyer guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine home guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residences Manila]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://residencesmanila.com/?p=144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/12/19/neighborhood-first-before-class/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="195" height="110" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/plugins/thumbnail-for-excerpts/tfe_no_thumb.png" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>People out there are looking for Manila&#8217;s best residences.  &#8220;Best&#8221; alludes to &#8216;close to perfect&#8217; or &#8216;most suited to one&#8217;s needs&#8217;.  But I believe that &#8220;best&#8221; really means &#8220;best-in-class&#8221;, do you agree?  When you search for properties, you have an internal checklist, with one home or neighborhood that&#8217;s top ranked for that one, qualifying feature that matters most to you.  [...]]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Best facilities on penthouse level at Fairways Tower</title>
		<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/08/10/best-facilities-on-penthouse-level-at-fairways-tower/</link>
		<comments>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/08/10/best-facilities-on-penthouse-level-at-fairways-tower/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maita Siquijor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best-in-Class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing a neighborhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finding a Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine condominiums]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residences Manila]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://residencesmanila.com/?p=122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/08/10/best-facilities-on-penthouse-level-at-fairways-tower/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="195" src="https://residencesmanila.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="gallery columns=&quot;2&quot;" /></a>I&#8217;ve seen a lot of condominium facilities and amenities.   But I definitely love the luxurious and definitely very private residential ammenities available at Fairways Towers. It&#8217;s a nice gem to cap an otherwise conservative-looking, almost boring facade of the functional but well-located condominium. Having the facilities at the penthouse level gives it a luxurious mien [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/08/10/best-facilities-on-penthouse-level-at-fairways-tower/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>3 Tips on Finding the Perfect Neighborhood</title>
		<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/07/21/3-tips-on-finding-the-perfect-neighborhood/</link>
		<comments>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/07/21/3-tips-on-finding-the-perfect-neighborhood/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:23:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maita Siquijor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing a neighborhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finding a Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippines real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residences Manila]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://residencesmanila.com/?p=68</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/07/21/3-tips-on-finding-the-perfect-neighborhood/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="195" height="110" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_5295-195x110.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="Ayala Alabang&#039;s Makiling Park" title="Ayala Alabang Village&#039;s Makiling Park" /></a>As lifted from Architerra, here are tips on finding a neighborhood that meets your needs: 1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence.  Keep in mind what distances and routes to each of these places are acceptable and what are [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/07/21/3-tips-on-finding-the-perfect-neighborhood/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>5 Things To Consider When Buying Your First Home</title>
		<link>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/07/18/5-things-to-consider-when-buying-your-first-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/07/18/5-things-to-consider-when-buying-your-first-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maita Siquijor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finding a Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first time home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippine condominiums]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philippines real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residences Manila]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://residencesmanila.com/?p=76</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com/2009/07/18/5-things-to-consider-when-buying-your-first-home/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="195" height="110" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/plugins/thumbnail-for-excerpts/tfe_no_thumb.png" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="" /></a>Some sound advice from  Point 2 Homes&#8216;  information archive on buying your first home:   With interest rates relatively stable and special rate discounts available to overseas-based Filipino workers (OFW), many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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Start uga_filter: <p></p><p>People out there are looking for Manila&#8217;s best residences.  <em>&#8220;Best&#8221;</em> alludes to &#8216;close to perfect&#8217; or &#8216;most suited to one&#8217;s needs&#8217;. </p>
<p>But I believe that &#8220;best&#8221; really means &#8220;best-in-class&#8221;, do you agree?  When you search for properties, you have an internal checklist, with one home or neighborhood that&#8217;s top ranked for that one, qualifying feature that matters most to you.  That would then help you  clinche the decision to settle for that property.</p>
<p>So let&#8217;s start with a few questions, first  about the neighborhood.  The primary consideration is still  &#8216;location, location, location&#8217;.  This leads us to evaluating areas of consideration, such as the list in  <a href="http://residencesmanila.com/2009/07/21/3-tips-on-finding-the-perfect-neighborhood/">finding the Perfect Neighborhood</a>, a previous article in <a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com">Residences Manila</a>:</p>
<p>Are there parks nearby?<br />
Is it scenic and visually appealing?<br />
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?<br />
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?<br />
Is the neighborhood clean?  Yards, streets, parks?<br />
Are there nice trees and foliage?<br />
Do the lots have large or small yards?<br />
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?<br />
Is it a safe neighborhood?<br />
What are the market values of the homes in the area?<br />
Are there many houses for sale? How’s the vacancy rate in the condominium?</p>
<p>How ’s the property management and maintenance?<br />
How long ago was the community developed?<br />
What is the average age of the people in the area?<br />
Are there families with small children in the area?<br />
What is the proximity to schools?<br />
Are there community events or organizations?</p>
<p>What&#8217;s your consideration for choosing your neighborhood?  Let us know by leaving a comment or emailing <a title="Let us know what you think!" href="mailto:maitasiquijor@architerra.org" target="_blank">Residences Manila. </a></p>

Start uga_in_feed
Ending uga_in_feed: 1
Ending uga_filter: <p></p><p>People out there are looking for Manila&#8217;s best residences.  <em>&#8220;Best&#8221;</em> alludes to &#8216;close to perfect&#8217; or &#8216;most suited to one&#8217;s needs&#8217;. </p>
<p>But I believe that &#8220;best&#8221; really means &#8220;best-in-class&#8221;, do you agree?  When you search for properties, you have an internal checklist, with one home or neighborhood that&#8217;s top ranked for that one, qualifying feature that matters most to you.  That would then help you  clinche the decision to settle for that property.</p>
<p>So let&#8217;s start with a few questions, first  about the neighborhood.  The primary consideration is still  &#8216;location, location, location&#8217;.  This leads us to evaluating areas of consideration, such as the list in  <a href="http://residencesmanila.com/2009/07/21/3-tips-on-finding-the-perfect-neighborhood/">finding the Perfect Neighborhood</a>, a previous article in <a href="http://www.residencesmanila.com">Residences Manila</a>:</p>
<p>Are there parks nearby?<br />
Is it scenic and visually appealing?<br />
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?<br />
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?<br />
Is the neighborhood clean?  Yards, streets, parks?<br />
Are there nice trees and foliage?<br />
Do the lots have large or small yards?<br />
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?<br />
Is it a safe neighborhood?<br />
What are the market values of the homes in the area?<br />
Are there many houses for sale? How’s the vacancy rate in the condominium?</p>
<p>How ’s the property management and maintenance?<br />
How long ago was the community developed?<br />
What is the average age of the people in the area?<br />
Are there families with small children in the area?<br />
What is the proximity to schools?<br />
Are there community events or organizations?</p>
<p>What&#8217;s your consideration for choosing your neighborhood?  Let us know by leaving a comment or emailing <a title="Let us know what you think!" href="mailto:maitasiquijor@architerra.org" target="_blank">Residences Manila. </a></p>

Start uga_filter: <p></p><p>I&#8217;ve seen a lot of condominium facilities and amenities.   But I definitely love the luxurious and definitely very private residential ammenities available at Fairways Towers. It&#8217;s a nice gem to cap an otherwise conservative-looking, almost boring facade of the functional but well-located condominium.    Having the facilities at the penthouse level gives it a luxurious mien by default.  The idea that no one else but invited guests and residents will get to use or see it unless they take the ride to the 30th+ floor makes it an ideal urban getway right after you come from a lightning-paced day at work, or coming home after living out of your suitcase for 4 weeks.</p>
<p>When you first step into Fairway Towers&#8217; lobby, you&#8217;ll notice that it&#8217;s cool, bright, and quite compact.  The ceiling is high, and you can immediately see the perimeter wall with the golf course peeping over it.  You get an initial impression that there&#8217;s nothing remarkable about the building, except that fact that the lobby has a very quiet and empty vibe.  I guess one can sense in the dynamic that there aren&#8217;t that many residents yet in the Fairways.  But for someone like me, who has seen hundreds of condominiums in the line of broker&#8217;s duty, I was pleasantly surprised for the view of the facilities opening up into wide, inviting spaces while wind whips your hair.  The comfy chairs and tables alongside the pool were filled with some teenagers, apparently international school kids on break, discussing anything and nothing under the pleasant sky.</p>
<p>The infinity pool is by no means olympic-sized, but it&#8217;s just right for residents who want to get away from the the cloister of their condo by springing into the pool, framed by the vast expanse of blue-and-white backdrop of clouds and sky. The gym on the penthouse level is well-equipped with treadmills, transport machines, and barbells good for a fair program of bodybuilding. The high-ceilinged ballroom and function rooms promise to hold capacity crowds of 150 or 200 people.  You can just imagine in the evening that the top of the Fairways Towers glows from afar like a brilliant gem in the scepter.  It definitely will hold its own beside the blue spaceship-like helipad of its neighbor, the Pacific Plaza Towers.</p>
<p><img title="gallery columns=&quot;2&quot;" src="https://residencesmanila.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif" alt="" /><img title="gallery columns=&quot;2&quot;" src="https://residencesmanila.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif" alt="" /><img title="gallery columns=&quot;2&quot;" src="https://residencesmanila.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif" alt="" /></p>
<p>As I told my guest, it really feels like a &#8216;resort-in-the-sky&#8217;. The Fairways Towers units here are fairly priced, given its functional look, acceptable make and materials and location.  The units&#8217; layouts are also wider despite the usual 36 or 52 sqm footprint for studio- and 1-br units respectively.  But getting units on the higher floors, one with a full view of the golf course, and topping it literally with the well-located facilities, you feel that you&#8217;re getting a more-than-fair deal at the Fairways. The condominium dues (it was 75 pesos/sqm. when I last asked) are also reasonable, compared to its more popular branded competitor.</p>
<p>As Fairways Towers sit at the left end of McKinley Road, just as you enter the Fort from Forbes Park area,  residents will not be bothered by the seemingly endless construction din going on in the rest of this burgeoning satellite city.  Just don&#8217;t expect Ayala-Land-style maintenance (which I think is the top-rated post-sale maintenance standard for the industry).  But considering the rest of the values, this is a condominium project to consider if you want consider ready-to-occupy units in the Fort, for a more modest budget.  What do you think?</p>

Start uga_in_feed
Ending uga_in_feed: 1
Ending uga_filter: <p></p><p>I&#8217;ve seen a lot of condominium facilities and amenities.   But I definitely love the luxurious and definitely very private residential ammenities available at Fairways Towers. It&#8217;s a nice gem to cap an otherwise conservative-looking, almost boring facade of the functional but well-located condominium.    Having the facilities at the penthouse level gives it a luxurious mien by default.  The idea that no one else but invited guests and residents will get to use or see it unless they take the ride to the 30th+ floor makes it an ideal urban getway right after you come from a lightning-paced day at work, or coming home after living out of your suitcase for 4 weeks.</p>
<p>When you first step into Fairway Towers&#8217; lobby, you&#8217;ll notice that it&#8217;s cool, bright, and quite compact.  The ceiling is high, and you can immediately see the perimeter wall with the golf course peeping over it.  You get an initial impression that there&#8217;s nothing remarkable about the building, except that fact that the lobby has a very quiet and empty vibe.  I guess one can sense in the dynamic that there aren&#8217;t that many residents yet in the Fairways.  But for someone like me, who has seen hundreds of condominiums in the line of broker&#8217;s duty, I was pleasantly surprised for the view of the facilities opening up into wide, inviting spaces while wind whips your hair.  The comfy chairs and tables alongside the pool were filled with some teenagers, apparently international school kids on break, discussing anything and nothing under the pleasant sky.</p>
<p>The infinity pool is by no means olympic-sized, but it&#8217;s just right for residents who want to get away from the the cloister of their condo by springing into the pool, framed by the vast expanse of blue-and-white backdrop of clouds and sky. The gym on the penthouse level is well-equipped with treadmills, transport machines, and barbells good for a fair program of bodybuilding. The high-ceilinged ballroom and function rooms promise to hold capacity crowds of 150 or 200 people.  You can just imagine in the evening that the top of the Fairways Towers glows from afar like a brilliant gem in the scepter.  It definitely will hold its own beside the blue spaceship-like helipad of its neighbor, the Pacific Plaza Towers.</p>
<p><img title="gallery columns=&quot;2&quot;" src="https://residencesmanila.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif" alt="" /><img title="gallery columns=&quot;2&quot;" src="https://residencesmanila.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif" alt="" /><img title="gallery columns=&quot;2&quot;" src="https://residencesmanila.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wpgallery/img/t.gif" alt="" /></p>
<p>As I told my guest, it really feels like a &#8216;resort-in-the-sky&#8217;. The Fairways Towers units here are fairly priced, given its functional look, acceptable make and materials and location.  The units&#8217; layouts are also wider despite the usual 36 or 52 sqm footprint for studio- and 1-br units respectively.  But getting units on the higher floors, one with a full view of the golf course, and topping it literally with the well-located facilities, you feel that you&#8217;re getting a more-than-fair deal at the Fairways. The condominium dues (it was 75 pesos/sqm. when I last asked) are also reasonable, compared to its more popular branded competitor.</p>
<p>As Fairways Towers sit at the left end of McKinley Road, just as you enter the Fort from Forbes Park area,  residents will not be bothered by the seemingly endless construction din going on in the rest of this burgeoning satellite city.  Just don&#8217;t expect Ayala-Land-style maintenance (which I think is the top-rated post-sale maintenance standard for the industry).  But considering the rest of the values, this is a condominium project to consider if you want consider ready-to-occupy units in the Fort, for a more modest budget.  What do you think?</p>

Start uga_filter: <p></p><p>As lifted from <a title="Our listings website" href="http://www.architerra.org" target="_blank">Architerra</a>, here are tips on finding a neighborhood that meets your needs:</p>
<p><strong>1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence</strong>.  Keep in mind what distances and routes to each of these places are acceptable and what are not.</p>
<p><strong>2. </strong><strong>Determine what the best features of the neighborhoods are</strong>.  This is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods.</p>
<blockquote><p>Are there parks nearby?<br />
Is it scenic and visually appealing?<br />
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?<br />
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?<br />
Is the neighborhood clean?  Yards, streets, parks?<br />
Are there nice trees and foliage?<br />
Do the lots have large or small yards?<br />
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?<br />
Is it a safe neighborhood?<br />
What are the market values of the homes in the area?<br />
Are there many houses for sale? How&#8217;s the vacancy rate in the condominium?</p>
<p>How &#8216;s the property management and maintenance?<br />
How long ago was the community developed?<br />
What is the average age of the people in the area?<br />
Are there families with small children in the area?<br />
What is the proximity to schools?<br />
Are there community events or organizations?</p>
<div class="mceTemp">
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/2.jpg?w=300" alt="A Glimpse of Manila's Best Apartments and Residences" width="300" height="200" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">A Glimpse of Manila&#8217;s Best Apartments and Residences</dd>
</dl>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-40" title="One Serendra Fort Bonifacio_Residences Manila" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/dsc00711.jpg?w=300" alt="One Serendra Fort Bonifacio_Residences Manila" width="300" height="225" /></div>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>3. Walk around in the neighborhood</strong>.  The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents. In the condominium, try to talk to the front lobby receptionist.  Observe how guards and personnel treat residents.  Determine the friendliness of the tenants by observing those who walk thru the lobby.   </p>
<p>I personally like the following neighborhoods:  <a href="http://www.architerra.org/Alabang_Villages/page_1810565.html">Ayala Alabang Village</a>, <a title="Bonifacio Global City homepage" href="http://www.bonifacioglobalcity.ph" target="_blank">Bonifacio Global City</a>, and <a title="About Southbay Gardens" href="http://www.architerra.org/Paranaque_Villages/page_2193280.html" target="_blank">Southbay Gardens </a>in Paranaque.  Do you know of a great condominium or village neighborhood you&#8217;d like to recommend? Let us know if you want us to feature it here on <a title="Go to Residences Manila" href="http://www.residencesmanila.com" target="_blank">Residences Manila.</a></p>

Start uga_in_feed
Ending uga_in_feed: 1
Ending uga_filter: <p></p><p>As lifted from <a title="Our listings website" href="http://www.architerra.org" target="_blank">Architerra</a>, here are tips on finding a neighborhood that meets your needs:</p>
<p><strong>1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are close by in the neighborhood you are considering as your new residence</strong>.  Keep in mind what distances and routes to each of these places are acceptable and what are not.</p>
<p><strong>2. </strong><strong>Determine what the best features of the neighborhoods are</strong>.  This is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods.</p>
<blockquote><p>Are there parks nearby?<br />
Is it scenic and visually appealing?<br />
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?<br />
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?<br />
Is the neighborhood clean?  Yards, streets, parks?<br />
Are there nice trees and foliage?<br />
Do the lots have large or small yards?<br />
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?<br />
Is it a safe neighborhood?<br />
What are the market values of the homes in the area?<br />
Are there many houses for sale? How&#8217;s the vacancy rate in the condominium?</p>
<p>How &#8216;s the property management and maintenance?<br />
How long ago was the community developed?<br />
What is the average age of the people in the area?<br />
Are there families with small children in the area?<br />
What is the proximity to schools?<br />
Are there community events or organizations?</p>
<div class="mceTemp">
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/2.jpg?w=300" alt="A Glimpse of Manila's Best Apartments and Residences" width="300" height="200" /></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">A Glimpse of Manila&#8217;s Best Apartments and Residences</dd>
</dl>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-40" title="One Serendra Fort Bonifacio_Residences Manila" src="http://www.residencesmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/dsc00711.jpg?w=300" alt="One Serendra Fort Bonifacio_Residences Manila" width="300" height="225" /></div>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>3. Walk around in the neighborhood</strong>.  The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents. In the condominium, try to talk to the front lobby receptionist.  Observe how guards and personnel treat residents.  Determine the friendliness of the tenants by observing those who walk thru the lobby.   </p>
<p>I personally like the following neighborhoods:  <a href="http://www.architerra.org/Alabang_Villages/page_1810565.html">Ayala Alabang Village</a>, <a title="Bonifacio Global City homepage" href="http://www.bonifacioglobalcity.ph" target="_blank">Bonifacio Global City</a>, and <a title="About Southbay Gardens" href="http://www.architerra.org/Paranaque_Villages/page_2193280.html" target="_blank">Southbay Gardens </a>in Paranaque.  Do you know of a great condominium or village neighborhood you&#8217;d like to recommend? Let us know if you want us to feature it here on <a title="Go to Residences Manila" href="http://www.residencesmanila.com" target="_blank">Residences Manila.</a></p>

Start uga_filter: <p></p><p>Some sound advice from  <a href="http://www.architerra.org" target="_blank">Point 2 Homes</a>&#8216;  information archive on buying your first home:</p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="625">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>With interest rates relatively stable and special rate discounts available to overseas-based Filipino workers (OFW), many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider:<br />
<strong>1)  How long you plan to live in the home.</strong><br />
Selling a home costs money.  If you potentially may have to move in the short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.</p>
<p>The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation tends to sit at around 5% per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs.  The real estate market can be particularly volatile, however, and dramatic swings up and down are not uncommon.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>2)  How long the home will meet your needs.</strong><br />
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain in homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving.  Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you&#8217;ll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.</p>
<p><strong>3)  Your financial health &#8211; your credit and home affordability.</strong><br />
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, people with poor credit tend to pay far more to borrow.</p>
<p>Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone.  Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.<br />
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a home affordability calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the &#8220;28/36&#8243; rule applies, in today&#8217;s home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person&#8217;s situation.</p>
<p>The &#8220;28/36&#8243; rule means that your monthly housing costs can&#8217;t exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can&#8217;t exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential, and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we&#8217;re not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, it’s important for you to know your options.</p>
<p><strong>4)  Where the money for the transaction will come from.</strong><br />
Typically, homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today&#8217;s broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary &#8211; if you can prove that you are a good financial risk for a lender. If your credit isn&#8217;t stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender. High-ratio mortgages can be a good option for those who haven’t managed to save a large chunk of money (who has?), but naturally, these have additional costs associated with them.</p>
<p><strong>5)  The ongoing costs of home ownership.</strong><br />
Maintenance, improvements, taxes, and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium or townhouse, a monthly homeowner&#8217;s association or maintenance fee will be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your Realtor® and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.</p>
<p>If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.</p>
<p>Did you find this article helpful?  <a href="mailto:msiquijor_mhs@Yahoo.com.sg">Let us know!</a></p>
<p>[polldaddy poll=1789613]</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Start uga_in_feed
Ending uga_in_feed: 1
Ending uga_filter: <p></p><p>Some sound advice from  <a href="http://www.architerra.org" target="_blank">Point 2 Homes</a>&#8216;  information archive on buying your first home:</p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="625">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>With interest rates relatively stable and special rate discounts available to overseas-based Filipino workers (OFW), many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider:<br />
<strong>1)  How long you plan to live in the home.</strong><br />
Selling a home costs money.  If you potentially may have to move in the short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.</p>
<p>The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation tends to sit at around 5% per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs.  The real estate market can be particularly volatile, however, and dramatic swings up and down are not uncommon.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>2)  How long the home will meet your needs.</strong><br />
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain in homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving.  Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you&#8217;ll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.</p>
<p><strong>3)  Your financial health &#8211; your credit and home affordability.</strong><br />
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, people with poor credit tend to pay far more to borrow.</p>
<p>Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone.  Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.<br />
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a home affordability calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the &#8220;28/36&#8243; rule applies, in today&#8217;s home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person&#8217;s situation.</p>
<p>The &#8220;28/36&#8243; rule means that your monthly housing costs can&#8217;t exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can&#8217;t exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential, and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we&#8217;re not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, it’s important for you to know your options.</p>
<p><strong>4)  Where the money for the transaction will come from.</strong><br />
Typically, homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today&#8217;s broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary &#8211; if you can prove that you are a good financial risk for a lender. If your credit isn&#8217;t stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender. High-ratio mortgages can be a good option for those who haven’t managed to save a large chunk of money (who has?), but naturally, these have additional costs associated with them.</p>
<p><strong>5)  The ongoing costs of home ownership.</strong><br />
Maintenance, improvements, taxes, and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium or townhouse, a monthly homeowner&#8217;s association or maintenance fee will be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your Realtor® and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.</p>
<p>If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.</p>
<p>Did you find this article helpful?  <a href="mailto:msiquijor_mhs@Yahoo.com.sg">Let us know!</a></p>
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