House Buying Guide

June 13, 2024

Deciding on What Property to Buy: Condo vs House

Before setting out on planning your move from your current household, you first have to determine what type of property would fit you and your needs. A typical home search would involve by identifying the factors you wish to have in your home:

Condition

Would you be needing a home that’s already furnished and doesn’t require much renovations? Or would you prefer one that’s cheaper than a prime conditioned home but may require a bit of investment for fixing it up?

Size and Type

How big do you want your home to be? How much space would you want or need?

Price

What’s your allocated budget for the move? Is the budget tight or could you make room for something a bit higher?

Location

Are there any specific locations or neighborhoods do you want to be in? How short do you want your commute to be to and from work?

House Features

On the flip side of things, you may also want to consider buying a house instead of a condo. It’s perfect for individuals who may want a bigger space at home or those who have bigger families who truly need a bigger area. It’s also ideal for those who want complete freedom at their home and enjoy a bit more peace and quiet than the condo owner.Complete Freedom

Complete Freedom

Arguably, one of the biggest perks with buying a house is having complete and total freedom in your home. Unlike condo units, house owners don’t have to abide by rules set in place regarding what you can and cannot do inside your home by the management. You can have numerous parties or events at your place. You can renovate the house as much as you’d want and whenever you’d want to. There’s also more room for indoor and outdoor space that you have control over.

Quieter Lifestyle

Living in a house can also provide you with a quieter lifestyle. Typically, houses are located inside subdivisions or away from the heart of the city–resulting to a more subdued and peaceful lifestyle. When you go home, you won’t have to worry about hearing your neighbor’s loud music through your walls. You can actually enjoy some peace and quiet after a long day at work.Privacy

Privacy

Houses also offer more privacy than condo units since your neighbors don’t live as close to you as they would if you had bought a condo unit. There’d be little to no more worrying whether you’d be disturbing your neighbors if you do this or not. You wouldn’t know what was going on at the other house and they wouldn’t know what was going on in yours unless someone started screaming at the top of their lungs.

Searching for a House

After deciding on whether to buy a condo or a house, the next step into buying your new home is to search for potential properties. There are plenty of options to choose from with the technological advances made available to everyone. It’s much easier to get connected and access a vast amount of information with a touch of a finger. This has made current property searches and negotiations more convenient on the part of both buyers and sellers.

Where to start your search

In this day and age, there are plenty of options to choose where to start your home search from. But the top two most recommended options are: doing it yourself through browsing real estate platforms or connecting with the right broker.

Browsing Through Real Estate Platforms

If you’re not up for getting someone else to do the job or you may not just have the budget for it, you can choose to do your home searching yourself by visiting real estate portals. With the power of real estate platform right at your fingertips, gathering details about multiple properties and doing background checks on potential communities in an instant is possible. For example, online maps offer information about its accessibility and institutions and establishments nearby. Some sites even detail population growth and crime rates.

The new approach to researching property listings has expedited the decision-making process. Real estate platforms present thousands of listings in a single search; some allow buyers to filter and sort results according to size, availability, location, and price.

Additionally, these listings have photos, which are helpful for meticulous condo buyers. Some listings go beyond photos and take visitors through a 3-D virtual tour of a potential property. Such tours make visitors feel as if they were walking through the space in person.

Connect with the Right Broker

Getting in touch with the right real estate broker can absolutely do wonders for the homebuyer. Brokers or agents are not only experts in the real estate industry, but can also help you determine what really is the perfect home for you. They can provide you with a list, specifically made with your wants and needs you may have in your future home.

To ensure a broker’s credibility, buyers can browse through online resources (e.g., social media profiles) to learn more. Some property portals also upload broker profiles to give buyers an overview of the agent’s professional history.

How to use Lamudi

Lamudi is an online real estate platform where you can find your dream property online. They offer a variety of options from your condo unit to your single family houses. In Lamudi’s homepage, you can begin your search by filling in the search bars for property type, offer type and location then hit search upon completion. From there you’d be directed to potential properties you might be interested in!

What makes Lamudi stand out among the rest, however, is that the site also caters its services to potential homebuyers who may be looking for a broker to do the searching for them. Lamudi offers broker profiles, business information, and contact details on the site which are regularly updated to ensure a better relationship between the buyer and the seller. It’s the best of both worlds!

Financials

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times but, a home is most probably one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make since it requires a lot of money and a lot of commitment in order to purchase one. This is why diving into hours of research and consultation with financial experts are important steps to take before buying your new home. Paying for a new home may, after all, take decades to accomplish with rising interest rates and other such fees.

So, what do you need to know when you’re buying a new home?

Preparing For Commitment

The first step is to ensure that you’re ready to commit. Unless you can pay the house in full, you’ll have to allot a portion of your monthly income for the home.

The rule of thumb suggests that the monthly housing payment should not go beyond 28% of your monthly income, while the monthly allocation for debts (including the house loan, car loan, and others) should not exceed 36%.

So, if you earn Php100,000 a month, the monthly house amortization should not be more than Php28,000, while the amount allotted for all debts and loans should not be more than Php36,000. If the expenses overshoot the recommended budget, you may not be able to afford the home. It would also be difficult to find a willing lender.

Some loans could take up to 30 years. So, it’s recommended to have a stable job or income source that could sustain the payments.

There are several calculators available online that determine how much you’ll pay for a specific house for a specific period.

Want to know how much you can really afford? Use our Home Loan Calculator to estimate your monthly payments and see if your budget fits your dream home.

Preparing the 80 Percent

Most banks in the country have a maximum loan amount of 80% of the appraised value. This means that if a house-and-lot is valued at Php1,000,000, you need to prepare at least Php200,000 because most lenders will only lend Php800,000 at most.

A disclaimer, though: this policy differs from bank to bank. Some might have a cap at a specific amount (say, Php25,000,000), while some might offer up to 90% of the property’s selling price. The important thing is that you sort through your options and make sure that you can afford the down payment, with room to spare. The rule of thumb is to have at least three months’ worth of monthly expenses saved up for emergency expenses.

The Legal Costs

The price of the house is only the tip of the iceberg. You also have to consider the other fees that home buying entails. These include:

Documentary Stamps Tax – This is the tax imposed on documents, instruments, loan agreements, and more. This is 15% of the property’s selling price, fair market value, or zonal value (whichever is the highest).

Local Transfer Tax – This is the tax levied on the transfer of ownership of a real property. It varies from 0.5-0.75% of the selling price or zonal value (whichever is greater). The percentage also varies from location to location, so you should consult your City or Municipal Treasurer.

Notarial Fee – This is payment for getting the Deed of Absolute Sale notarized, which is 0.1-0.15% of the property’s selling price.

Loan Fees – Apart from the borrowed amount and interest, the buyer also contends with loan fees when they apply for a housing loan. These vary from lender to lender, but it usually includes mortgage redemption insurance, fire insurance, appraisal fees, and handling fees.

Property Costs

There are also non-legal expenses involved in the purchase of a new home. You have to transfer all your belongings from your current residence to the new one, for instance. This could set you back a few thousand pesos.

Additionally, you should consider the furnishings. If the property you bought came with furniture and appliances, then this is all well and good. If it didn’t, however, you have to shell out for a bed, sofa, dining table and appliances which are the necessities.

On top of that, you have to be ready for surprise repairs and maintenance costs. Be ready for association fees,too, if the house and lot is in a subdivision.

Your finances is a major part of your decision-making process. If you think that you have your finances sorted out, then you’re ready to find a new home.

Types of Houses

One of the most important considerations when deciding to buy property is deciding what’s right for you. Once you have assessed your needs and decided between a house and lot or condominium, the next logical step is determining what type of these properties you should go for. Of course, much of the weight of the decision-making rests on what characteristics are suited to your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. It can be an overwhelming process, but it will be easier once your options and priorities are laid out in front of you. Knowing what to choose from is the first step.
Which Should Be Your Home?

For many Filipinos, owning a house and lot is among their ultimate dreams. Especially for those who are only starting their family life, or settling down to retire, a house and lot is an ideal arrangement. It’s also great for young professionals who wish to invest in a secure property early.

With a house and lot, you have more space to work with, especially if you want to endeavor on home improvements. A house and lot remains the preference for most Filipinos because it offers greater flexibility, freedom, and privacy.

What type of house is right for you?

Single-Attached

This kind of house and lot refers to houses that are built right on one side of the lot; therefore, giving way to more space on the front, back, and one side of the lot. This type of house, much like a duplex is thus in close proximity with adjacent homes, giving residents the enjoyment of starting and maintaining close ties with their neighbors.Single-Detached

A single-detached home refers to a house constructed in the middle of the lot, thus giving you even more privacy as your home would not be directly adjacent to other houses. Open spaces are available all around your home, making it easier for you to add recreational features to your home, such as a pool, backyard, garage, etc.

Bungalow

A bungalow is a single-storey home with all the rooms on the ground floor. Although bungalows are typically easier to renovate and expand, this type of house requires a larger partition of land than multi-storey houses. This would be ideal for starter families and families who live with elders.Duplex

A duplex consists of a single building with two units. Depending on the structure, the units can be side-by-side or up-and-down.Triplex

The triplex is exactly the same as the duplex, except that it has three units instead of two.Multi-Storey

Multi-storey homes are typically found within gated subdivisions, containing two or more floors. This would be an ideal home for families who see expansion of their home in the future.

Inspecting the Property

Whether it’s a house-and-lot or condominium unit you’re seeking, the next logical step is to inspect the property. In this crucial step, you will finally get a hold of the realities of your prospective property, which is why it is important to manage your expectations. At this point you must recognize that there is no such thing as a perfect home. However, a thorough inspection of your prospects will help you make sure that your home is the next best thing.

Inspecting the House

Whether you’re interested in buying a house built in the last year or last few decades, the condition of the property is of utmost importance. There are bound to be a few problems here and there, especially with older houses, and you should identify the issues early on. An inspection can prevent problems and regrets in the long run.

Inspecting the prospective house, you must take note of its structure. This can serve as your checklist when you’re ready to assess your future home:ExteriorInterior

Things to Keep in Mind

Remember, what you’re looking at now can determine where you will be living long-term, so it is best to be as thorough as possible upon inspection. Speak to your broker about concerns you may have about the property. If possible, bring a friend or family member with you upon inspection so you can have an extra pair of eyes for things you might overlook, and also so you’ll have impartial advice if needed. List down important details about the property so you’ll have a reference when making your decisions. Document your inspection in photos.

As the future owner of your home, you’ll want to make your investment worth it–it is up to you to do your part to make sure your home is exactly what you need.

Negotiating the Best Price for A House

As a first time home buyer, you want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. You might have a real estate agent to work out the details for you, but it wouldn’t hurt to arm yourself with the finer points of negotiating to get the best price for the house or condominium unit that you’ve been dreaming to acquire. Here are a few things to consider when negotiating the price of a home or condominium.

Make sure your finances are in order.

Add credibility to your offer by having cash and a pre-approved home loan. Be on the prudent side and think that your budget is the maximum amount you can offer for your dream home or condominium unit.

Also take into consideration your how much of your monthly income (or your family’s monthly income) can be allocated for monthly instalments.

Real estate experts suggest to go by the 28 Percent Rule as rule of thumb; this means that mortgage payments should not exceed 28 percent of your monthly disposable income. This means that if you’re earning P40,000 (after taxes) a month, your mortgage payments should not exceed P11,200.

Factor in other living expenses such as groceries, transportation, and utilities to get a clearer picture of how much you can actually spend. When it comes to condominiums, consider pre-selling developments.

Aside from the affordable introductory price, property developers offer flexible payment schemes and even discounted down payment prices on pre-selling projects. In-house financing is also available as an alternative for bank loans. Know the reason why the condominium is being sold.

Is the seller migrating and needs to let go of the property as soon as possible? Are there loans that need to be settled? Is the seller relying on your down payment to seal the deal on his or her new home? The more you know about the circumstances of the sale, the more customized the offer you can come up with. Do some market research.

What is the real estate situation in the area you are looking into? How many properties are being sold in the area? How long has the property been up for sale? The longer the period means the bigger the probability that you could negotiate a lower price.

Other factors that could determine the final price of your home or condominium include the price of comparable properties, appraisal results, and neighbourhood quality. Offer to pay a bigger cash down payment.

While the recommended cash down payment is 10 to 20 percent of the purchase price, you or your broker might be able to work out a bigger discount if you offer to pay a larger amount in cash. Don’t be afraid to ask.

At the end of the house or condominium inspection, feel free to ask for concessions such as a fresh paint job, getting any existing furniture for free, fixture replacement, or additional repair work. You might not get everything you want, but it’s better than not asking for anything at all. Stay calm.

Even if you are completely ‘sold’ with the property and could not wait to move in, you will be in a stronger negotiating position if you don’t reveal how interested you are. Inform the seller that you are looking into other properties and will be in touch should you come up with a final decision. Be ready to move fast.

This is one of the reasons why having your finances in order is important; when you want a home or condominium in a sought-after location, it can be off the market really fast. Having enough resources gives you the leverage to make the best offer as quick as possible. Offer attractive payment terms.

The price you’re ready to pay might be lower than what the seller asks, but with strategically thought out payment terms, he or she might consider. Don’t underestimate the value of an excellent broker.

You’re banking on the broker’s years of negotiating experience and in-depth knowledge of the real estate market to be able to close a good deal. When you and the broker work towards a common goal, that house or condominium is well within your reach.

What are Your Financing Options?

Let’s look at the financing options you can consider when buying a home or a condominium.

Cash Payment

If you have saved up enough money to pay for your home or condominium in one go, then by all means pay in full and in cash. Developers give as much as a 10 percent discount on cash purchases. Deferred Payment

Deferred cash payments mean the property could already be handed over to you provided that you agree to pay the total price of the property within a specified period of time (5 years, for example). On the upside, this payment option does not require a downpayment and there are no interest rates to think about. On the other hand, do expect to pay your loan within a shorter time frame and with bigger monthly payments. Pag-IBIG Financing

Pag-IBIG members who have been consistently contributing for at least 24 months, are not more than 65 years old at the time of application, not more than 70 years old at the time of loan maturity, and have no outstanding Pag-IBIG loans are eligible for a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan. As in bank-financed home loans, application requirements can be extensive.

Locally employed applicants must submit the following:

Accomplished Buyer’s Information Sheet (2 copies) with recent 1×1 ID photo (2 copies)
One (1) valid ID (photocopy, back to back) of Principal Buyer and Spouse, Co-Buyer and Spouse, if applicable
Proof of income (any of the following):
1. Notarized Certificate of Employment and Compensation (CEC) indicating the gross monthly income and monthly allowances or monthly benefits received by the employee
2. One (1) month payslip, within the last three (3) months prior to date of loan application
3. Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) for the year immediately preceding the date of loan application, with attached BIR Form No. 2316, stamped received by the BIR
4. For government employees, the certified one (1) month payslip within the last three (3) months prior to date of loan application must be submitted together with CEC or ITR

Additional requirements include:

Copy of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) with signature
Photocopy of P1,000 Reservation Fee Receipt
Insurance coverage (if applicable only)
Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire)
1. For borrowers over 60 years old
2. For borrowers up to 60 years old, if loans is over P2.0 M to P6.0 M
Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire) and Copy of the result of medical examination conducted prior to assignment overseas as required by the employment agency
1. For OFW borrowers over 60 years old

For self-employed applicants, basic requirements are the following:

Accomplished Buyer’s Information Sheet (2 copies) with recent 1×1 ID photo (2 copies)
One (1) valid ID (photocopy, back to back) of Principal Buyer and Spouse, Co-Buyer and Spouse, if applicable
Proof of Income for any of the following:
1. Owned Business
  - Income Tax Return (ITR)
  - Audited financial statements
  - Official receipt of tax payment from bank supported with DTI Registration and Mayor’s Permit/Business Permit
2. Commission-Based
  - Commission vouchers reflecting the issuer’s name and contract details (for the last 12 months)
3. Drivers
  - Certified true copy of transport franchise issued by appropriated government agency (LGU for tricycles, LTFRB for other PUVs)
4. Foreign Remittances and Pensions
  - Bank statements or passbook for the last 12 months (in case income is sourced from foreign remittances, pensions, etc.)
5. Rental Payments
  - Copy of lease contract and tax declaration (if income is derived from rental payments)
6. Sari-sari Store/Mini Groceries, Sub-Contractor, On-call Maintenance, and Technicians
  - Barangay Certificate/Clearance
  - Properly accomplished Certificate of Engagement duly notarized

Additional requirements include:

Copy of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) with signature
Photocopy of P1,000 Reservation Fee Receipt
Insurance coverage (if applicable only)
Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire)
1. For borrowers over 60 years old
2. For borrowers up to 60 years old, if loans is over P2.0 M to P6.0 M
Health Statement Form (Medical Questionnaire) and Copy of the result of medical examination conducted prior to assignment overseas as required by the employment agency For OFW borrowers over 60 years old

Bank Financing

Filipinos and foreigners married to Filipino citizens (subject to specific documentary requirements) can apply for a bank-financed home loan. Foreigners with immigrant/resident visas can apply for the same, but solely for the acquisition of a condominium unit.

Applicants can borrow a minimum of P400,000 and up to 80 percent of the appraised value of the property. Payment terms can extend up to a maximum of 10 or 25 years.

Basic requirements for a home loan application include: Housing Loan Application Form

Duly accomplished application form
2 valid IDs
If married, both spouses must sign on the application form
If with co-borrower or co-mortgagor, a separate application form is required for each

Income Documents If locally employed

Certificate of Employment (COE) indicating salary, position, and length of service
Income Tax Return (ITR) for the last 2 years

OFWs

Contract/Certificate of Employment (COE) authenticated by Philippine Consulate
Crew Contract and Exit Pass validated by POEA (for seamen)
Proof of monthly remittances
Notarized or authenticated Special Power of Attorney

Self-employed

Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws with SEC Registration Certificate
Audited financial statements for the last 2 years
DTI registration
ITR with Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SAL) for the last 2 years
List of Trade References (at least 3 names with telephone nos. of major suppliers/customers)
Bank statements for the past 6 months

Practicing Doctors

Clinic address/es and schedule/s

Commission-based Income

Vouchers or bank statements (last 6 months reflecting commission income)

Rent-based Income

Rental/Lease contract (indicating name of tenants and rental amounts with complete addresses of properties being rented)
Photocopy of title (TCT/CCT)

Collateral Documents

Clear copy of owner’s duplicate copy of TCT/CCT
Lot plan with location/vicinity map certified by licensed geodetic engineer
Photocopy of tax declaration/tax receipts/tax clearance
Endorsement letter/computation sheet/Contract to Sell from developer stating the contract price (for accredited developer/project)

In-house Financing

In-house financing means the developer will be providing you with the amount needed to purchase the home or condominium. The requirements and background check might not be that stringent, but be prepared for shorter payment terms and higher interest rates than Pag-IBIG or bank financing.

Evaluate your financial standing and and weigh the pros and cons of each option in order to choose what works best for you.

Legal Documents Required

When buying a house or a condominium, legal documents must be prepared to protect the interests of both the buyer and the seller.

Here are the legal documents to prepare for and you will be encountering should you be in the market to buy a house or a condominium unit in the future.

Letter of Intent

This is a non-binding letter submitted by the buyer to express his or her intent to buy the property. This document must indicate important transaction details such as:

Date of the offer
A thorough description of the property
Price being offered
Reservation fee
Payment terms
Financial clauses that need to be disclosed

Reservation Agreement

After the seller signs the Letter of Intent, a Reservation Agreement should be drafted prior to payment of the reservation fee. This document indicates that the seller has agreed to reserve the property for you and it will not be offered to anyone else. The Reservation Agreement should cover the following:

Complete property address
Property type
Floor area
Payment terms

Letter of Guarantee

The Letter of Guarantee is issued by a bank or a financial institution on behalf of the buyer to inform the seller that the latter has taken out a loan to finance the property purchase. This document “guarantees” that the bank will shoulder any costs should the buyer default. Contract to Sell

The Contract to Sell has all the final terms and conditions of the sale. This will be issued to the buyer by the seller after the down payment has been made. Note though, that ownership of the property remains with the seller until the full purchase price has been completed. The Contract to Sell must also be notarized. Deed of Absolute Sale

The Deed of Absolute Sale must be prepared once the buyer has paid the full purchase price of the property, documentary stamp taxes, registration fees, and other incidental expenses related to the registration process. This document, which must be must be mutually signed by the buyer and seller, indicates that the owner has completely relinquished all rights and interests to the property and has transferred these to the buyer. Like the Contract to Sell, the Deed of Absolute Sale must be notarized. Certificate Title

Issued by the city or municipality, the Certificate Title states an owner’s exclusive rights to a particular property. The Registry of Deeds should be able to provide a certified true copy of this document to confirm its authenticity.

A Transfer Certificate of Title is a proof of ownership of a subdivision lot; a Condominium Certificate of Title is a proof of ownership of a condominium. Both are issued by the Registry of Deeds in the relevant city or municipality. Tax Declaration

With the sale finalized, the new owner must now request for a Tax Declaration from the Assessor’s office; the new title and a photo of the property must be submitted for processing. Once obtained, all tax obligations will now be under the new owner’s name.

When it comes to buying a home or a condo, it’s best to be well-informed and detail-oriented. Do your due diligence prior to engaging in any transaction. Never sign anything you don’t understand; read all the details and clauses carefully, including the fine print. All information indicated must be consistent across the relevant documents. Finally, make sure all documents are authentic, duly signed and/or notarized, and properly filed for future reference.

Turning Over a New Leaf & Moving In and Out

Buying a house or a condominium can be tough, but the process doesn’t start and end with choosing a home within your budget and desires. To make your transition to your new life and home easier, here is a turnover checklist.

Prepare the legal documents

No matter how much of a headache paperwork could be, having the proper documents and papers will ensure the safety and legality of your transaction. Don’t forget that it is always best to consult a professional for these documents.

Here are the documents you’ll need in buying property in the Philippines.

Letter of Intent

As the name suggest, the letter of intent is the declaration of your desire to purchase the property from the seller. Your broker should help you draft this letter. The Letter of Intent contains the following details:

Date of offer
Description of property
Buyer’s suggested price, and,
Spot cash down payment

Make sure that the payment scheme and schedule of payment is clear. If the seller accepts the terms and conditions in your letter of intent, he or she may reserve the property for you. Reservation Agreement

Also called as the Reservation Application, this document ensures that the seller will remove the house or unit in question off the market. This document should be drafted before you hand over the reservation fee.

It will include the property’s specifications, floor area, terms of payment and financing options. For condominium units, also ask until when you can have the unit reserved. As much as possible, pay the reservation fee within the timeframe. Contract to Sell

This contract is the written and binding agreement between you and the seller. Drafted by the broker or developer, it entails the final terms and conditions of the transaction. It’s only drafted, signed and notarized after you paid the down payment. Letter of Guarantee

This is written by banks and financial institutions to inform developers about your approved loans, coverage and its date of release. It’s a guarantee that your loan can settle your remaining balance. Deed of Absolute Sale

After settling your balance, this document confirms the transfer of ownership from buyer to seller and is filed with the Registry of Deeds. It is the basis of the issuance of the Condominium Certificate Title (for units) or Transfer of Certificate of Title (for houses). Transfer of Certificate of Title

Obtained from the Registry of Deeds of the city in which the property is at, this document proves that the ownership of the house and lot has been transferred to you. Tax Declaration

With a property purchase comes taxes. This document is issued by the Assessor’s Office and it states that all tax obligations that pertains to your new property is now under your name.

As the buyer and eventual owner, it is your responsibility to keep all legal documents of your property. This protects you and your investment in the long run.

Moving In

Moving in to your new property is more than just hauling your belongings from one place to another. For unit buyers, you will have to meet with your developer to confirm the dressing-up of your unit and, afterwards, perform a careful inspection of it.

This inspection allows you to check if the furnishings in the agreement was followed. If it’s acceptable, you may sign the Certificate of Acceptance and, must settle all turnover fees, including:

Meralco service deposit
Water bill deposit
Monthly association dues, and
Other special assessments

Now that the legalities are done, it’s time to settle down in your new home. Keep in mind these following tips to make the transition as pain-free as possible.

Start early

Give yourself a head start in packing your belongings and make advance arrangements with your moving company; 30 days should be a good start.

Label your belongings

Make unpacking easy by labeling your belongings with where they should go. It will also help you declutter and ditch things that has no place in your new home.

Get utilities in order

You wouldn’t want to move in to a house without water and electricity, right? Call your providers and make sure your property has running utilities and safe wirings.

The process of the turnover and moving in can be overwhelming and time-consuming. However, at the end of the day, it’s all worth it to finally look at your property and see a home that you’ll build your life in.

Designing Your New Home

You’ve finally bought and moved in to your new home. The documents have been signed and the boxes have been unpacked. Now, it’s time to put your own flair and personality into your new home.

Designing your new home is a very exciting part of home ownership and it can be as overwhelming as the other parts as well. To make the process easier, here are some few tips and guidelines to help you on this new journey.

Determine your why

It’s easy to get lost in the seas of home décor magazines and articles online. There are so many new trends, colors and beautiful themes that you can apply to your design plan. So, it’s always best to go back to your “why” but first, you must determine what it is.

The “why” is your goal. For example, you want to build your house for your children. Or maybe you want it airy and open for parties with your peers. Think about your personality and what this home will serve as. Keep this in mind through the process and it will tide you over difficult decisions. Take into account your house type

Some designs and architecture can look out of place in different properties. Having a gothic architecture as the center of your design for your unit might not be the best or most feasible idea. It’s best to take into consideration how large your space is, home type and even the neighborhood you reside in. There is a reason why houses in neighborhoods can look very similar. Look for inspiration

Aside from magazines and online articles, look for inspiration from real-life houses. Get in your car or walk around neighborhoods and subdivisions to look at houses that may spark your inspiration. Note down what certain houses you find beautiful and you’ll eventually find something in common between them that you might consider incorporating into your own design. Make a budget

Inspiration can come in droves and can be endless but your budget can’t always keep up with your designs. It’s always best to draw up a budget that is within your means. This will save you a headache from bills if you go over budget. Treat it as a guide rather than as a limitation.

Having a fixed budget can also narrow down your designs and furniture choices, and make deciding much faster and smoother. Deliberate your needs

Whether you’re building your home alone or with a family, your needs should come before aesthetic designs. Though, this doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style! Your or your family’s needs affect your design choices from the size of rooms, to the lighting fixtures and furniture.

For example, if you purchased a home on your own and you work from 9 to 5 maybe it’s not the best idea to purchase home gym equipment. Or, if you work from home, a home office separate from your bedroom and living room is a good idea. Design around your lifestyle, habits and means. List down your must’s and deal breakers

This tip is really handy for couples building their first homes together. Make a list of the designs, color, fixtures and furniture that you’re not willing to compromise on and those that you’re willing to work with. Knowing what these are can help you work around them easier.

Building a home and a life together will be a series of misunderstandings and compromises. Building a home on your own still do, but this time, it’s with yourself and with your means. Hire a professional.

It’s tempting to create your own space on your own but hiring a professional can easily speed up the process and catch mistakes way before you invest in it. They have the expertise and years of experience that will help smooth over your designs. What you might have difficulty making a reality can be solved by sitting down with your designer and team to make your vision turn into a reality. Determine your why