What occasion are you looking forward to every year? Surely, the holiday season is one on the list.

It’s already the -ber months, and the holiday cheer is just around the corner. Does your front door already have the red jingle bells?

People are preparing their food lists because any party or occasion is not complete without delicious food on the dining table.

Important life events such as Christmas Eve dinner are not just about surprise gifts to kids under the Christmas tree, but also adults being busy with Christmas table settings. Christmas dinner requires thorough preparation because it is not just about food but also about the holiday table decorating.

Place Settings

Place settings or table settings may vary depending on the occasion or the feelings you want your guests to have. A table setting like the Christmas table setting is very important as it sets the tone of your time together. Your very Christmas table setting in your most beautiful houses in the Philippines will reflect the importance you give to the people because organizing place settings requires extra effort. Your Christmas table settings will also affect the presentation of your food on the dining table.

The technique of decorating a dinner table and including linen tablecloth, flowers such as white flowers, candles, napkins, and other items—often exhibiting a particular theme—is in season.

Table setting, often known as “laying the table,” is the practice of arranging a table with tableware, such as cutlery, for eating and serving. A place setting is a set-up for a single diner. In addition, it refers to how the decorations and utensils are organized. Throughout history and in different cultures, different arrangements of tableware have been mandated.

Suggested Read: What Is Tablescaping?

How Do I Prepare My Christmas Dinner Table?

There is beauty in understanding tablescaping.

As you start to prepare your food for Christmas, you also have to put in mind that it is better to also spice up your Christmas dining room table with well-thought-of Christmas table settings as it gives an appetizing background for your delicious meals inside your most beautiful houses in the Philippines.

Whether you are living in house and lot properties for sale in Alabang Philippines or in a condo in Tagaytay, don’t just settle for the usual table setting but decorate your large table with a festive look where the guests feel important because of the effort you put into it. Don’t just settle for the red and green Christmas table theme, and be amazed that there is a lot of Christmas table setting inspiration that you can try on.

But the first thing you should take into account when planning for your tablescape is your budget, be practical, and do not overspend if it is out of the budget. Holiday table setting can look grand even though you have a tight budget, just use creativity

Here are ideas and tips as you dress up your holiday table.

Decide on your Dinner Party Theme and Start from there

A holiday such as Christmas is a great time to play around with the things you want to experience. Start by picking up a specific theme to operate on your celebration.

It can be a rustic theme, minimalist, winter wonderland, or classic red or white Christmas.

As you decide on your dinner party theme, you can now decide on the colors and elements that will help bring out your desired output.

Proper Table Placements

Staying home for Christmas is not a bad idea, especially if you are living in a condo in Tagaytay, in a house and lot near Nuvali, Santa Rosa Laguna, or in a house and lot in Daang Hari. Christmas table settings are more fun living in the beautiful Brittany Homes. In your desired Christmas table settings, it is also important that dinner plates and utensils are properly arranged to prevent the table from becoming cluttered and detracting from the overall dining experience. The appropriate dinnerware, centerpieces, napkins, and condiments must be used, and the table must be completely set.

Whether you have white plates or gold cutlery, it must be arranged well to create a beautiful experience for the guests. Don’t forget to set up your linen napkins with a napkin ring as you settle your plates and cutleries. Tucking flowers into the napkins is a way too to create a perfect mood and ambiance in the occasional dinner.

Suggested Read: A Crosswinds Tagaytay Christmas Celebration

Make Spaces for Foliage and Centerpiece

Christmas Table Settings are more presentable when added with natural elements such as healthy foliage as centerpieces. This addition can spruce up your Christmas table.

Decorating mini trees with fresh cranberries, ornaments, candy cane, or pine cones are some of the styles or ideas you can add to your decor, making it the center of attraction on your Christmas table. No need to worry about how you will set it up, fishing wire is now in trend to give your ornaments magical effects while keeping them together in secret.

If you are staying in a condominium for sale like a condo in Tagaytay, small ornaments and a small type of centerpiece is good for your Christmas decor as they will not consume a lot of your space in the room. It will also be fun if you put DIY gifts under your Christmas tree.

Adding floral arrangements to your Christmas tablescape is also a great idea, except for the usual glass candlesticks or pillar candles. Floral arrangements are the best option for highlighting and making a contrast to the centerpiece.

Make it Personal

Since you are already making an extra effort for your Christmas table in your most beautiful houses in the Philippines, why not make it personal by creating name cards? Place cards where they will be read easily by your guests.

Suggested Read: Christmas At Crosswinds Tagaytay

You are All Set

You now have ideas on how you can make your tablescape more attractive and presentable for your dear guests. Your tablescape will give your guests a more festive mode to enjoy the food and the gathering.

After all, do not forget to have fun and create more memories with your loved ones. Prepare Christmas activities to enjoy your moments together.

Impressing the guests by setting a beautiful holiday tablescape should come from the heart. It is not about bragging about your money or wealth but because you just want to give your guests or loved ones the comfort of experiencing the fine taste of the celebration.

Remember to not overspend—spend according to the budget. If something is not affordable, better have a cheaper alternative without compromising the quality.

A beautiful table setting during an occasion will bring the family happiness, and the bond will be stronger as they have fun and rest in the company of each other.

Set A Beautiful Holiday Tablescape With Brittany!

A beautiful tablescape requires a beautiful home. Check out the most beautiful houses in the Philippines made by the most trusted real estate brand in the country. They have house and lot properties for sale located in many areas. You can check out their condo in Tagaytay, House and Lot near Nuvali, Brittany Santa Rosa, and house and lot in Daang Hari Subdivision or in Alabang, Philippines. Invest in your first real estate investment that you will not regret with Brittany Corporation!

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As we continue with the “ber” months, one thing always lingers in the minds of people: that is none other than the holidays. And what comes to mind when we hear holidays? Nothing short of the comfort of our own homes.

What are Holiday Homes?

Holiday homes are residences that families use for short periods rather than their permanent everyday lives. They are often housed in faraway places that bring comfort and peace of mind to a homeowner—such as provinces and beaches.

Why Should You Invest In A Holiday Home?

Holiday homes provide a different sense of relaxation that you won’t be able to experience in any other way. You get a place of your own without having to constantly worry about bothering others as you relax in your paradise. As personal property, you’re able to express yourself more freely and build your safe place in whatever way you please.

From the name itself – ‘holiday’ homes, one of the main reasons homeowners choose to buy a holiday home is simply for holidays. Having a place you and your family can enjoy and relax in to enjoy the holidays brings much more joy than you can imagine. Invite guests and share memories that you can’t do in public spaces.

Suggested Read: Holiday Breaks: Taking A Vacation In The New Normal

The Steadfast Growth of Holiday Homes

The growing population equates to a growing demand for real estate as well. Holiday homes are no exception to the robust growth of properties expected to get even bigger this year.

The Increasing Demand for Larger Homes due to the Pandemic

As a side effect of the current pandemic, real estate properties are being demanded to get larger, both in size and number. The shift from face-to-face to at-home services, work, and school have forced us to stay in the comfort of our homes.

The pandemic, however, does not stop us from wanting to enjoy the holidays, it can’t stop our urges to get away from usual, everyday life and escape somewhere else. While public spaces are still out of the options, this is where holiday homes come in.

Holiday Homes are a great place to meet up with friends and family, all while minimizing the health and safety risks of the pandemic. Children and adults alike can be welcomed into your home and also saves up your money by not having to spend on your event location. It’s a great convenience that you are sure to always have access to regardless of the date

The Constant Evolution of Property Technology

Technology is always evolving – and at a much faster pace than ever. The advancements and technology are not limited to the robotics you see on science shows, they’re also making their way into the different aspects of our lives.

Suggested Read: Rising Demand For Luxury Property: Who’s Buying?

Smart Homes have been making waves recently with their futuristic innovations, which make daily life much easier. While it may be appealing to have these features in our homes, others may still prefer the usual, traditional ways of their everyday life. However, every once in a while, we want to be relaxed to the fullest.

Some people opt for smart features to be integrated into their holiday homes instead rather than their permanent residences. This allows them a much more rewarding and relaxing experience full of convenience when enjoying their time in their haven.

The Rising Number of Millennial Home buyers

Youngsters these days are mostly about wanting to live their life to the fullest. Of course, this involves giving them the relaxation and peace of mind they deserve every once in a while.

There are many destinations that can provide leisure to these millennials, but one of the most appealing ones is none other than having a holiday home. A holiday home offers exclusivity and full customization that most of the youth wish for today. As more of them step into the world of adulthood, the appeal of a home becomes stronger as the days go by.

The Best Holiday Homes in the Philippines

To ensure that your holiday home brings you the peace you wish, you’ll want it to be one of the most beautiful houses in the Philippines. Comfort without sacrificing safety is one of the key items you need to enjoy a perfect holiday – but how can you be so sure that your holiday home has both of these properties?

Not sure where to find these house and lot properties for sale? Or perhaps you’re gunning for a condominium for sale to serve as your getaway home? Brittany has got you covered regardless of what you wish.

Suggested Read: The Demand For Luxury Homes Is On The Rise

Brittany Homes

Brittany Homes offers a large selection that includes only the most beautiful houses in the Philippines. Whether it be a house and lot near Nuvali, a condominium in Tagaytay, or a house and lot in Daang Hari – Brittany is sure to house the dream holiday home you have in mind.

BRITTANY STA. ROSA

Located in the heart of Laguna, Brittany Sta. Rosa has an amazing house and lot properties for sale that is sure to blow you away.

The Southern-American style of the homes in Brittany Sta. Rosa offers an experience that takes you around the globe. Bask in the greenery is sure to relax you and give you more than enough space to breathe in with its wide roads and houses in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Surrounded by prestigious Philippines university and other infrastructures in Laguna’s education and commercial hub, convenience isn’t sacrificed by living in these American homes.

PORTOFINO ALABANG

Aching for that romantic European atmosphere? Portofino Alabang is the perfect place for you.

An award-winning housing development project, the Italian homes in Portofino Alabang are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful houses in the Philippines. A masterpiece filled with elegance; the old-world architecture of these homes will make you get lost in time.

The charm of Portofino Alabang simply cannot be compared to other house and lot properties for sale. Partnered with only the highest quality services, invite guests and family alike for a warm and lovely date in a European setting.

CROSSWINDS TAGAYTAY

If you wish for only the most serene and calming environment, Crosswinds Tagaytay is the ideal home.

Tagaytay is known for its outstanding sceneries that bring comfort and peace to those who view it. This makes the province also one of the most popular places for having a holiday home. If you’re going to have a holiday home in Tagaytay, why settle for something less than the best?

Select from a wide range of choices; Crosswinds Tagaytay has both luxury house and lot properties for sale, as well as luxury condominiums for sale. Whatever choice you make, Crosswinds Tagaytay is sure to give you that breath of fresh air you need.

Suggested Read: Best Holiday Investment: Crosswinds Tagaytay

Lakefront Sucat

Modern-day sophistication has never been better than these luxury homes in Cavite – the beautiful homes of Lakefront Sucat.

These beautiful homes will constantly remind you of the Neo-Victorian houses all the way in San Fransico, USA. Unwind and relax as you settle in your holiday home in these Victorian homes that are simple yet classic, giving you a most peaceful holiday experience.

Suggested Read: Christmas At Crosswinds Tagaytay

The most important aspect of every business is its client. Clients can affect various factors such as demand, market prices, and trends, especially for fields that have very narrow target demographics like luxury real estate.

In luxury real estate, it is not only the products that clients are looking for. Services are needed as well, especially those provided by brokers or real estate agents. To provide exemplary service or the ideal house and lot for sale, it is important to listen to the customers, identify customer needs, and provide solution to their problems.

Client needs drive them to make a purchase, avail services, or continue to be loyal to a business or broker. Identifying these needs and providing a solution for them will help you gain loyal customers. Here is the importance of identifying customer needs and building a strategy revolving around them.

Why Identifying Customer Needs Is Important

As a real estate professional, your job is to understand your clients and know customer needs. This allows you to cater to their preferences in terms of products and services. Clients expect that businesses, especially brokers, understand their needs and anticipate how to provide the solution to customer needs.

As experts in the field, brokers must have the knowledge and skills to identify customer needs. Here’s why identifying the needs of customers is important and how it helps in understanding customer journey.

Identifying customer needs allows brokers to find a proper strategy and solution.

Ensure Excellent Customer Service

The main goal of identifying customer needs is to gain valuable insights that allow you to improve your services to keep happy customers. Providing great customer service, especially for Brittany Corporation, pioneer builder of luxury house and condo for sale, ensures positive customer feedback.

High Customer Retention

Customer retention is when customers keep coming back to buy products or services for a certain period of time. These can be considered as having loyal customers. When client needs are being met, it is guaranteed that they will choose a broker or company again in the future.

Identify Trends

Some of the factors that affect market trends are client needs, preferences, and demand. Identifying and understanding client needs can give you an insight about the preference of your current customers and how trends may form in the future.

Provide Faster Solutions

Pain points are customer issues and problems that should be addressed by the business. Most companies develop strategies for services and products revolving around pain points. When you identify client needs, you can anticipate problems that may arise and have suitable solutions ready at hand.

Risk Reduction

Businesses are making it their priority to listen to customers and identify their needs. Risk reduction is one of the most important aspects of a business. Paying attention to client needs and preferences can reduce the risk that clients may face in the future. To understand customer is to gain insights about things that they may consider as risk factors and create strategies to mitigate them.

It is important to identify clients’ needs in order to provide great service and products.

How to Identify Customer Needs

Once you’ve had a deeper understanding of your target demographic, you will be able to identify their needs easier. This will help you create strategies to provide better customer service as a broker. Here are some ways to identify customer needs.

Use Existing Customer Data

A great starting point is existing data about your customers. By analyzing the current data that you have, you can identify their pain points and the solutions that have been provided so far.

Conduct Customer Research

Customer centric companies are conducting market research to learn about customer’s purchase decision and customer behaviour. This allows them to gain insight into what they need to do to meet the needs of the target customers.

The demographic for customers interested in buying luxury houses for sale is very narrow. Using this to your advantage, you can easily analyze customer data and extract details such as preferences and needs when you conduct customer research.

Conduct research and surveys to find relevant data that helps you understand your client needs.

Utilize Customer Surveys

Customer surveys are effective in identifying customer needs not only of current clients but potential customers as well. You can create specific questionnaires according to the details that you want to find out. Surveys can also be used in multiple channels, especially social media platforms.

Customer Journey Mapping

Customer journey mapping is a strategy for identifying the stages of being a client. There are three stages including acknowledging a need, finding and considering options to satisfy it, and deciding to act on the need. Brokers can act accordingly when they know which stage the client is in.

Consider Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is what should drive brokers to improve their service. There are different ways to gather customer feedback including surveys, personal emails, and even focus groups. Hearing directly from customer service teams can also give you another

Effective Ways to Meet Client Needs

Brokers are what connect customers to companies that provide their dream home. Because clients are the center of the business, it is imperative to gain a deeper understanding of customer’s perspective, their needs, and their preferences as well.

Most customers, especially those looking for luxury house and condo for sale, have preferences that can only be met by skilled and educated brokers. As a real estate professional, it is not only your role to help them find a property that is within their budget but also to recognize customer needs and provide a solution for them. Here are effective ways to meet customer needs.

Adapting the right marketing strategies and utilizing tools help brokers meet client needs effectively.

Use Modern Marketing Strategies

There are marketing strategies that can help you meet customer needs effectively. To provide exemplary service and product, you should adapt effective marketing strategies such as impactful use of body language.

This is just an example of modern marketing strategies that you can use. Other examples include conducting virtual tours, creating effective ads, optimizing websites, and publishing relevant lifestyle articles.

Utilize Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms provide effective channels to communicate with potential and current customers. It is also an avenue to reach customers who are looking for luxury houses for sale. These are leads that you can convert to potential customers.

As brokers, communicating with clients is easier through social media platforms. They are convenient and accessible, allowing customers to reach you when they are in need.

Gain More Knowledge

As a real estate professional, you should keep in mind that you are the expert. It is your job to help customers understand sales processes and guide them through the different stages of purchasing a luxury house for sale.

There are various certifications and courses for real estate professionals, which can help you gain more knowledge and skills that will help you meet customer needs and guide them through various processes.

Communicate Effectively

Communicating effectively does not only mean offering your services or products to a client. It also means that you should help your customers understand the processes involved in sales negotiations especially when they are interested in investing or purchasing luxury house and condo for sale.

Clients will not be familiar with various terms in the field of luxury real estate. Constructing easy-to-understand messages will help them grasp your message easier and also communicate their needs easily.

Brittany Sales adapts a customer-centric strategy.

Brittany Sales Customer-Centric Strategy

Brittany Corporation is the pioneer builder of luxury house and lot for sale in the Philippines. They developed exclusive communities with luxury houses for sale to suit the preferences of their target market – the few elite in the country.

These communities of luxury houses for sale include Crosswinds Tagaytay, Brittany Sta. Rosa, and Vista Alabang. Each of these communities boasts beautiful properties that use extravagant architecture and interior design.

Aside from these beautiful properties, another notable thing about Brittany Corporation is their exemplary team of real estate professionals. Brittany Salesforce adapted a customer-centric strategy where the clients come first.

This ensures that their services are top tier, helping customers find the ideal house and lot for sale while also providing great after-sales services. With Brittany Salesforce, customers are more assured that they will not only find the property of their dreams but also a team of professional brokers who are ready to meet their needs.

READ NEXT ARTICLE: HOW TO TELL YOUR CLIENT ABOUT PRICE INCREASES?

Brittany Corporation officially aired its 2nd edition of Brittany Spotlight, entitled “A Taste and Mastery of Elegance,” a lifestyle vodcast that highlights the intricacies and beauty of the interior design. The lifestyle vodcast was hosted by Danie Laurel, Anchor-Producer at One News, together with the women who truly made their mark in the world of Interior Design: IDR. Doris Dy, Creative Director at AllValue Group, and IDr. Cynthia Almario, co-founder of Atelier Almario.

Quality and Sophistication at the Heart of Luxury.

Brittany Spotlight begins strongly as the official intro rolls in, highlighting a roster of world-class interior designs paired with curated shots from Cynthia Almario, which features her extraordinary work, turning ordinary household interiors into world-class facades. From bespoke furniture to handcrafted furniture, Brittany Spotlight left no stone unturned in giving its audience the gist of what’s in store for them with this impactful introduction.

The host, together with its audience, was excited as to what this lifestyle vodcast had in store for them: even Danie herself exclaimed her love for interior design and couldn’t wait to hear from two “very talented and professional women” who are changing the world of interior design as we know it.

“Spending my days talking to talented women” verbatim, according to the host, is what she loves to do the most.

Design Intended To Create Beauty Deep Within Homes

With a beaming smile on her face, Danie comprehensively describes the Brittany Spotlight, lifestyle vodcast, as something that perfectly captivates “the world of luxury with the most inspiring and creative innovative minds in the field of interior design”, which is rightfully so since any person who witnessed the lifestyle vodcast were truly inspired to bring their visions of interior design to life while discovering the heart behind bringing every single piece of handmade art and craftsmanship inspired from the lifestyle vodcast’s invited luxury makers.

The Mind Behind Creativity in AllValue Group

“A very successful woman, she has an undeniable passion for interior design, which she proves by creating a company that focuses on designing quality products,” Danie exclaims as she welcomes IDr. Doris Dy, Creative Director of AllValue Group.

Danie kicks things off to an impactful start as she engages Doris about her work: what kind of artist she is and what her signature look and philosophy are whenever she designs something.

“What Kind of Artist Are You?”

As an empowering interior designer, according to Doris, she’s the leader in designing the interior of retail shops and all the stores seen within Vista Malls.

Suggested Read: The Inspiring Women In Real Estate

“What is your Signature Look and Philosophy whenever you Design Something?”

Despite not having a signature look, Doris firmly believes in the beauty and elegance of her work, even saying that “the look of the interior is client-driven,” which is evident in how she designed various retail stores such as Coffee Project, Dear Joe, and other retail stores, that cater to the taste of the customers that visit them and what experiences they can get whenever they enter these elegant and beautiful stores.

Doris also highlights in Brittany Spotlight how she receives wishlists and requests from various people as to what the different retail stores she designs should look like. However, that’s not her focus: what she likes to develop more than anything is the feel: creating a space and making sure that anyone who visits feels connected to the space, which she refers to as “Experiential Interior.”

Interior And Emotion: Satisfaction For the Five Senses

Danie digs deeper into the work of Doris, further focusing on the “Experiential Interior”: making a person feel something as they go through each store.

According to Doris, it can be difficult to design a retail or public space, especially since in areas such as retail stores, anyone and everyone becomes your customer and everyone has a different opinion and emotion about different spaces. To answer this difficult situation, she makes sure that the brand of the business is intact and strongly compliments the branding of the interior.

How exactly does she make sure that the brand of the business is intact and compliments the branding of the business? She makes sure that the interior complements and satisfies the five senses, mainly sight, sound, scent, taste, and feel: the visuals a person can see, the scent upon entering through the door, and what they feel as soon as they sit down the taste and the menu of the food, and even the sound they hear, which comes from a curated playlist specifically for the stores under AllValue Group. By addressing these, Doris successfully encaptures a person’s senses and makes the interior design a thing of beauty.

What Rests Closest To Her Heart

Coffee shops are what sit closest and excite her the most, such as Coffee Project, Dear Joe, and Cafe Voi La since each of these cafes has a different personality: from the brand to the concept to their audience.

Interior Design And Real Estate

According to Doris, what makes designing the interior of real estate from everything else is that you focus on the client and their family: their wants and their need, which doesn’t cause confusion since you’ll only focus on a few sets of eyes and one direction to follow.

Doris’ Eyes and Uniqueness

Science-based, particularly with scale and proportion: that’s how Doris describes her style, particularly stating that she likes to focus on anthropomorphic, ergonomics, and the overall science of design, which further compliments how she likes to capture the five senses.

The Mind Behind Creativity in Atelier Almario

As the segment with IDr. Doris Dy comes to a close, Danie welcomes onstage IDr. Cynthia Almario, the co-founder of Atelier Almario, into Brittany Spotlight.

Right off the bat, Danie engages Cynthia by asking about the home featured in Cynthia’s Zoom background, which according to her, is inspired by her wanting to have an indoor-outdoor feel to her home.

Inside The Mind Of A Creative

As the creative director of Atelier Almario, together with her sister Ivy Almario, Cynthia Almario revolutionized the interior design industry in the Philippines throughout her career. She started her design journey in Los Angeles as a creative designer for different consultants, which gave her the opportunity to practice her craft in commercial establishments, particularly hotel projects as well as high-end residences.

An Interior Designer In Her Hometown

No journey comes without a struggle, which is evident in how her environment changed when Cynthia returned to the Philippines, from working with other interior designers and local artisans here in the Philippines, even stating that “it was hard since, in Los Angeles, you’re spoiled,” referring to a design showroom center that had the best designs, the best fabrics any designer could choose from, which she referred to as a one-stop shop center for any aspiring interior designer.

Upon returning to Manila, she would often encounter problems, particularly with getting samples such as fabrics, which, compared to Los Angeles, were very generous and would give bigger proportions.

Although the circumstances had greatly changed compared to when she was still in Los Angeles, Cynthia was still grateful since the situation gave her a new learning environment: going to factories and directly interacting with the people involved in creating the materials she needed, learning various things about different furniture, and so much more. Even more, she greatly influenced the people she worked with, often sharing with them the knowledge she had about interior design.

“Nothing Beats Being At Home.”

More than anything, Cynthia is enjoying her stay here in the Philippines, particularly working with her peers and the people close to her, which Danie even further expounds with the presence of the new generation which Cynthia could help educate with her knowledge in interior design since this generation has a fondness of creating or repurposing furniture, and often embracing local design.

Falling In Love With Luxury Design

“We found our niche through our clients” is what Cynthia claimed when Danie asked how she came to be in designing in the luxury real estate industry, and goes on to narrate how they kept doing what they did magnificently until eventually, clients in the luxury niche found them, which further helped position them to where they are now.

Being exposed to the best minds in the industry while in Los Angeles helped Cynthia be where she is right now, even stating that they took interior design seriously, which at the time of her stay made it even better since Los Angeles was at the center of interior design.

Suggested Read: Top 5 Interior Designers In The Philippines

What Luxury Means In Design

According to Cynthia, luxury is more than just acquiring the finer things in life: surrounding yourself with the most expensive paintings and the most bespoke furniture. But with the advent of the pandemic, luxury has greatly changed, with Cynthia even saying that luxury has become experiential, particularly with the customization, which is evident in the people Cynthia encountered, which comes out when she asks them what luxury means for them, and they have their unique answers and definition of luxury.

For Cynthia, “(luxury is) really more about creating memories and experiences, but at the same time creating interiors where you’re surrounded by well-loved objects, where it has to resonate with you.”

Focus on Curating Elements that Deliver Big on COMFORT

The lifestyle vodcast’s audience undoubtedly learned something from the lively conversation between host Danie Laurel, IDr. Doris Dy, and IDr. Cynthia Almario that we can all use to improve our home’s interior design so that we may create the finest world-class living for ourselves. Brittany Spotlight strives to offer elegant stories and information from many recognized persons using the lifestyle vodcast platform.

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Watch the full webinar below:

When thinking about home design, you opt to choose something that will never go out of style. But, with multiple interior design ideas to choose from, you might be stuck in thinking about where to start.

Do you know that a quality exterior and interior design can offer a lot of perks especially if you are planning to buy a house and a lot properties for sale? Think about the luxury house and lot in Laguna or those condominiums located in Crosswinds Tagaytay, from the outdoor construction to its interior design, you can’t help but be in awe of those new home projects.

Now, let’s start building inspiration for your dream home design.

1. Choose your material: Rattan Furniture

Rattan is a naturally-grown vine-like species that looks a little like bamboo and is native to tropical jungles of Asia, Malaysia, and China. One of the largest sources is no other than, the Philippines. In production, skins are peeled from their skin and used for weaving purposes. This durable yet flexible product can be bent or woven into a wide variety of shapes and patterns. Some reasons why you should consider utilizing rattan are as follows:

• Suitable to your interior style – Rattan isn’t just used in outdoor spaces, although being frequently used on patio furniture because of its durability. Whether used for furniture, lighting, or tabletop accessories, the tropical fabric can lend rich textures to any room.

• It is biodegradable – Head’s up eco-friendly advocates! Rattan is a naturally renewable palm that grows at a rate of nearly 2 centimeters per day, making it a product that is both sustainable and friendly to the environment.
• Good quality – Rattan furniture comes from hot, tropics regions, where it naturally has high levels of resistance to UV rays and rainy spells. When properly cared for, rattan is built to last for decades and is just as strong and solid as wood or more so.
• Brings relaxation – Its light, golden color brightens a room or outdoor environment and creates the atmosphere of tropical paradise.

2. Choose your color scheme: Rattan’s Natural Tone

Free your imagination and bring out the inner interior designer in you!

Rattan furniture complements a wide variety of design styles, but it is a mainstay in shabby-chic or boho-style settings. But with a little to a lot of creativity, some industry designers manage to mix and match rattan material:

• Pair rattan with plant-collections, floral or botanical designs, and other natural materials, like jute or wood, to accentuate its aesthetic beauty.

• For a more diverse look, use elegant mid-century furniture and chrome accents to contrast the rattan’s laid-back vibe.

Incorporate rattan furniture to add warmth and a more relaxed atmosphere, preventing modern interiors from being too cool or giving classic spaces a more laid-back vibe.

• Rattan alternatives for basic light fixtures can be used to create a distinctive focal point. Look for huge rattan pendants in sculptural shapes, or choose a fixture with an open weave pattern to disperse light throughout the whole area.

• Create storage space wherever you need it by using rattan baskets or cabinets. You can slip woven rattan baskets into almost any location because they come in a variety of sizes and styles. If you like the color and texture of rattan furniture, you might also like rattan cane furniture. It is produced from the outer shell of the rattan vines. It is made out of rattan cane material after it has been weaved into a variety of designs. Rattan cane furniture is lightweight, durable, and simple to maintain.

3. Choose your preferred space: Rattan as part of my home design

Ask some of the most important questions yourself. Decide what you want and need in a certain room to start. Consider the functions of each area in the house when choosing the furnishings or accessories to buy.

• Rattan in your bedroom – A rattan bed frame is the ideal focal point for any bedroom decorated in the bohemian style. This furniture has recently become more popular in the field of interior design. Rattan bed frames provide any bedroom a natural and relaxed feel thanks to their strong substance and beautiful appearance.

• When employing rattan furniture in your dining area, be sure to use a lot of contrasting aesthetics. A 90/10 ratio, which contains 90% of varied materials, patterns, colors, and even houseplants and 10% of rattan, is a good general rule of thumb.Rattan has a slightly uplifting effect when used sparingly in a place, without overpowering it. If you must choose just one or two rattan items, choose rattan bar stools, dining chairs, or a single statement chair.

• Rattan in your living room – If you wanted to create an earthy, vintage, and welcoming living room, a rattan sofa is going to be your perfect choice! Create a boho refuge by adorning it with vibrantly printed cushions, a rattan plant holder, and some rattan plant stands. Best living room idea ever with rattan furniture!

• Rattan in your bathroom – Have fun choosing from the creation of rattan material. Try adding accents of this material to your home design through accessories if you’re not sure you love rattan enough to invest in large furniture items. Small touches, like this rattan bathroom organizer, so ideal for adding a touch of warmth and texture to your bathroom, whether they are arranged on a shelf or hanging on a wall, storing your bathroom essentials will never be the same again.

• Rattan Patio Set – Summertime offers one the best opportunities to lounge outside and enjoy the fresh air and socialize with friends and family, and that’s the main reason you need a rattan chair with a soft cushion partner with an aesthetic buri carpet.

• Rattan Garden Furniture – We all love the thought of dining outside but often lack the space or the setup to be able to host such a get-together. We often wonder just how we could get a decent quality dining table and chairs into the garden. Why not try incorporating rattan in your island-inspired garden? This stunning center table is the one piece of furniture that is certain to provide “wow” appeal to your garden space. This braided coffee table is made by hand from rattan and expertly combines powerful lines with contemporary proportions.

• Rattan wall art – Level up your home design with small pieces of rattan wall art collection. Wall shelf decor, screens, and cleverly positioned rattan baskets on the wall are all distinctive pieces that will give your living room space a retro-meets-tropical art gallery feel.

• Rattan statement mirror – It is clear that rattan was used to create this lovely item. Another special item that you cannot reject. The statement mirror is typically composed of glass or brass that has been plated in gold, silver, or black.But this one has a natural tint and is composed of natural materials. Make this one of your top picks for rattan furniture!

4. Support Local, Buy Rattan Furniture in PH

   The Philippines was once ranked as one of the largest areas planted rattan among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), next to Malaysia and Indonesia. To date, there are hundreds and thousands of Filipino farmers relying on the income generated from farming rattan, weaving, and selling rattan furniture. When you buy their products, you are directly supporting Filipino producers! And by purchasing, you are actually helping the economic growth of the Philippines, enabling support and success for further local firms.

   The development of the project you put life into is most crucial, whether it is a simple home design using rattan material or owning a property at the age of twenty. Your life is not as complex as you might imagine, contrary to what we learn from the varieties of this rattan vine used in various products.

READ NEXT ARTICLE: LUXURY ITALIAN FURNITURE BRANDS

READ NEXT ARTICLE: HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO BUILD A HOUSE IN THE PHILIPPINES

General Overview of Q2

The global market is increasingly volatile right now due to several factors, such as the political unrest in Ukraine and Russia, increasing interest costs, and the slow rebuild coming from the COVID pandemic. Because of increased uncertainty, high-net-worth individuals seem to pivot towards more stable and reliable investments, that is to say, the luxury housing market. Homes, especially luxury real estate, have shown that they always appreciate with time.

The luxury housing market has therefore seen an uptick in sales in 2021. And a recent analysis by Pacaso has shown that luxury property sales have continued to jump in Q2 of 2022. Experts predict that the luxury property market will continue to perform well until the end of the year, but there may be a slight decrease in the pace of growth compared to the industry’s boom in 2021.

That being said, the luxury real estate industry continues to perform well in the market, despite other industries facing challenges in the world economy. Many consider luxury real estate a safe bet when it comes to investing and growing their portfolio. Adding a luxury property to their diversified holdings makes investors feel like they have a safety net they can rely on to still give them a worthwhile ROI.

The housing market has remained relatively stable compared to other markets. And according to Pacaso Co-founder and CEO Austin Allison, “Overall, luxury real estate exceeded expectations and outperformed the rest of the second home category and the overall real estate market in Q2 2022. Despite a rising interest rate environment and growing concerns of a recession, it is clear that demand for this type of asset remains strong.”

Luxury Properties: A Resilient Market

Despite the effects of the pandemic on the global markets, the housing market has experienced unprecedented growth. This growth peaked in April 2022 when it was up 21% nationwide in the United States.

In Q2 of 2022, the luxury housing market remained strong, although the growth seems to be normalizing back compared to the rapid growth. Even when some luxury property listings decelerated for the first time in May, prices were still up compared to 2021. Despite this slight deceleration, industry veterans forecast that the housing market will continue its slow growth.

The volatility of the stock market today has driven affluent investors to invest in more stable assets such as luxury property.  In fact, since 1980, the housing market has been more stable compared to stock market indexes, especially during times of global uncertainty.

Rising Interest Rates Have Limited Impact on Luxury Real Estate

The luxury housing market has experienced high demand, despite rising interest rates post-pandemic. While mortgages have increased rates slightly in recent months, the overall rate has remained relatively low, making it easier to commit to a luxury property. Luxury homes are still seen as a great option when investing, especially as second homes or seasonal vacation homes.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Luxury Home

Analysts have seen a trend when it comes to purchasing and building luxury homes. Most individuals and families are choosing to purchase luxury properties in popular vacation spots or in communities adjacent to the busy metro.

Vacation Home

Luxury properties in Tagaytay, such as in the Crosswinds community of Brittany Corporation, are the top choice for people who want to build a vacation home. These homes will be nestled in the expansive Crosswinds Tagaytay enclave, an estate filled with pine trees and inspired by the enchanting beauty of the Swiss Alps.

There is an increase in demand for luxury homes in vacation destinations with access to outdoor activities. Buyers have been looking for a community where their home would also grant them access to amenities, establishments, and outdoor spaces, giving them more bang for their buck. Popular outdoor activities these affluent homebuyers look for are hiking trails, water sports, and biking. Of course, the beautiful views and scenery are an additional perk of a luxury home in a vacation spot. In general, luxury home buyers want a home that allows them to live a vacation lifestyle.

Homes Outside the Metro

Another trend analysts have observed is the migration out of the metro and into adjacent communities. Congestion in the big cities has become a problem, and with more flexible work and school setups, more people have been looking for luxury homes outside of the city.

This move towards luxury homes outside the metro is due in part to the luxury of space. Bigger homes, bigger lots, open communal spaces, and access to nature all play a part in this market trend. With more people with a flexible remote work or study option, they see value in having a spacious luxury home where they can do all that.

Again, Brittany Corporation has luxury homes for families looking for an address outside the metro. Even though these exclusive communities are in cities south of the metro, major highways still make the city and other nearby provinces easily accessible. Brittany Santa Rosa has three luxury communities in Laguna that are a short drive away from the Makati business district. These homes are located in the sweet spot between the city and the countryside, giving residents the best of both worlds.

Enjoy Your Share of Luxury with Brittany Corporation

There is no better time to invest in high-end properties than now. Brittany has several luxury homes for sale in different areas of the Philippines. Each luxury community under the Brittany name is inspired by some of the most beautiful places in the world, such as Switzerland, Italy, England, and America.

Luxury Swiss-style Properties in Tagaytay

Crosswinds Tagaytay is Brittany’s pine tree estate in the heart of Tagaytay. Designed after traditional Swiss chalets that dot the Alps, the luxury condominiums of Crosswinds give you a luxury wood cottage experience. Overlooking the stunning views of Tagaytay’s rolling hills, your Crosswinds luxury condominium grants you a calming escape from the busy city.

Choose a luxury unit from Alpine Villas or the Grand Quartier as your vacation home. Of course, you can also rent it out to Tagaytay weekend travelers to make the most of your luxury property investment. You can also choose to build a beautiful vacation home in Tagaytay by purchasing a luxury lot in Lausanne at Crosswinds.

An Italian Lifestyle at Vista Alabang

Vista Alabang brings the old-world charm and beauty of Italy to the Philippine shores. Comprised of three exclusive master-planned communities–Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore at Portofino–Vista Alabang gives its residents a taste of Italian luxury. Homes at Portofino feature traditional Italian architectural details such as courtyards, cupolas, towers, exposed stone walls, and gabled roofs.

But aside from the beautiful luxury homes, residents can also experience the Italian lifestyle through the cobblestone pathways, fountains, and statues sprinkled across the entire community. Taking a walk around the Vista Alabang is sure to transport you to the sunny Italian countryside.

Quaint English Manors at Promenade

Promenade is one of the luxury communities of Brittany Santa Rosa and is inspired by the idyllic atmosphere of the English countryside. Welcoming residents to Promenade is a huge obelisk, which leads to the clubhouse. Hedge gardens are the main feature of this luxury enclave, as well as well-manicured gardens, cobblestone paths, and hushed woods.

The homes of Promenade are designed to be a more upscale version of an English cottage or manor. These luxury houses feature spacious rooms, high ceilings, and all the amenities a growing family needs.

The Grandeur of the American South

There is no mistaking the beauty and grandeur of Southern American architecture, and Brittany brings this extravagance to two of its communities: Georgia Club and Augusta. Both of these communities are again within the Brittany Santa Rosa roster. American-style mansions make up this community, as well as world-class amenities and community spaces.

Have your Share of Luxury With Brittany

Take advantage of the growth in the luxury housing market and purchase an investment property at Brittany! Browse our website to see all our properties in Tagaytay, Alabang, and Santa Rosa. And follow us on Youtube and LinkedIn to stay updated!

Grow your luxury real estate career with Brittany!

READ NEXT ARTICLE: BRITTANY SALES EXCELLENCE AWARDS HONORS Q2 SALES PERFORMANCE

In a post-pandemic era, smart investing is more crucial than ever, especially if you are in a strong financial position and your tolerance for risk is high amid the current economic turmoil. On the other hand, whether or not there’s an economic crisis, the real estate sector, especially the luxury real estate, has always been a dependable and sought-after investments. As a matter of fact, if investors will look at the trends in real estate, many of the investors of high-end properties are millennials and young professionals. For the most part, these investors see the worthy cause of investing on luxury real estate and at the same time the deserving respect they gain from it.

Moreover, most of the high-end properties like luxury homes now are situated in popular cities where the workplace or career paths of many young professionals are also located. This certainly attracts them to invest on the said luxury homes or other properties of sort despite of another worthy opponent, especially in terms of location. And looking at long-term perspective, a worthy investment like a luxury real estate property is surely a best strategy to secure and build you wealth wisely. To further understand what makes high-end properties investment-worthy, here’s a collated list to check out for:

1. High-end properties are located in the prime locations in the country

Whether luxury apartments or luxury homes for sale, the common denominator why high-end properties of such are worth investing for is because it’s all about locations. Most high-end properties are situated in places where convenience, luxury, and tranquility are fuse altogether. This goes to show that high-end properties are always placed in everybody’s dream locations. Furthermore, there is a rising demand among potential homebuyers to go for high-end properties in places where the best of suburban living is coinciding with what rural lifestyle has to offer. This means getting the best of both worlds. Worthy candidates for such prime locations are Metro Manila, Tagaytay City, Alabang, and Laguna.

2. High-end properties are incomparable in terms of value

Investing in a worthy high-end property is truly incomparable as to buying a typical real estate property. With high-end properties, there is a low chance of depreciating value. As a matter of fact, high-end properties do acquire more value over time due to several factors like the prestige of the location where it is built, the architectural design, the interior style, and even the historical or sentimental value of these properties. When you get into the business, you will realize that just like any other vintage collection, high-end properties will always be a worthy investment. To further increase the worth of such properties, developers and former owners also get to do high quality renovations, maintenance, and incorporate advanced technological devices of high-end properties, especially considering the growing interest of many buyers to purchase a property with high-end amenities and services as well.

While the demand for high-end properties may rise and fall depending on the trends and move of the price in the market, but the selling factor will never disappear. Take, for example, when you invest in luxury villas which you can have them rented so you will get to earn monthly income. Such worthy investment will give you the benefit of knowing that you invested your wealth in a profitable asset. Moreover, worthy investments in luxury real estate also provides you tangible luxury features as well as a sense of security and tranquility.

3. High-end properties are known for their prestigious architecture and state-of-the-art amenities

A typical or low-end property won’t give you a thematic luxury real estate development or a high quality of security system and protocols or high-end activities around the community. But with high-end properties, they have it all. Known for its exclusive lifestyle, high-end properties do come with international standards of lifestyle, design, and services. From prestige to beauty, you will see it all in high-end properties’ unique materials, architectural design, interior style, and even the shared amenities for the entire community. It feels like you no longer have to leave your own house in order to experience such exclusivity and luxury because you can see and feel it in every corner of your beautiful home and the facilities they decide to incorporate in the community. It is truly unparalleled which makes your investment worthy.

4. High and robust security measures and protocols

Another distinct quality that makes high-end properties worthy of your wealth or investment is the high security system and protocols they have for strict implementation. With luxury homes for sale in exclusive villages or communities, you can be assured that a top-of-the-line security system is incorporated to ensure your safety and security. Moreover, with properties that have high and robust security measures, you can be assured as well that the community has low crime rate. This is why high-end properties tend to be more prominent in listings you find in the market. Properties with high security system will surely give you your investment’s worth.

Final Thoughts

It is undeniably true that nowadays living in high-end properties will make everybody’s brows raise for investments as such are deemed as unlikely considering the economic turmoil that the entire world is facing. However, for those who are looking for a worthy investment, has a strong position financially, and desire to expand their investment portfolio, all it takes is the right property for you. Good thing, Brittany Corporation, the premier name in luxury real estate development in the Philippines, gives you a wide selection of high-end properties you can choose from. Known for its thematic luxury real estate developments, Brittany brings you its projects from various prime locations in the country where luxury homes and other high-end properties are situated. From luxury homes for sale, luxury condos for sale to luxury lots for sale, Brittany has it all.

At Crosswinds Tagaytay, you have a wide selection of luxury condos to choose from as well as luxury lots situated in the lush hills of Tagaytay City. This luxury development is your private sanctuary in the heart of Tagaytay’s picturesque nature. For world-class luxury house and lot for sale, Brittany Sta. Rosa has them. This luxury development calls to mind the classic American lifestyle with its luxury houses dwelling amid a nature reserve-like community. These high-end properties are situated in locations where commercial establishments are just one fingertip away from you. From schools, shopping centers, fine dining restaurants, hospitals, and establishments with high quality of entertainment value, they have it all.

These high-end properties are also equipped with robust security measures and the crime rate is very low. This is an essential aspect to high-end properties like Brittany’s because they value your security and comfort. A property with community that brings you peace of mind is none like other. You can also be assured that every property is of high value for they are built by the finest thematic lifestyle in mind.

Consider your worthy investment in Brittany Corporation now.

READ NEXT ARTICLE: WHERE TO BUY THE BEST LUXURY HOMES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Buying a house is a major transaction for everyone. Real estate properties—especially a luxury condo or luxury house and lot for sale—amount to millions, if not billions nowadays. Therefore, being mindful about every detail involved when you buy a house is critical to ensure that you get the best of what you pay for. However, the luxury real estate market can be a daunting place especially for first time buyers.

Ideally, a trusted real estate agent will guide you through the entire home buying process. Still, asking important questions will help you understand the entire transaction further. Doing so allows you to communicate your ideal home preferences to your real estate agent and ensure that you are on the same page in all areas of your home purchase. Here’s what you need to know to start on the right foot.

Buying Your Dream Home? Here are the Essential Questions to Ask Your Luxury Real Estate Agent

There are many factors to consider when buying a house. To find the dream home that will fit your finances, lifestyle, long-term needs, you need to consider the cost, selling price, mortgage payment, property value and other details of the luxury condo or luxury house and lot for sale you are eyeing. On top of those, you have to dig into the safety, risks, and future developments that might affect certain luxury real estate properties.

So where do you start? Here are the essential questions all first time and experienced home buyers should ask before buying a house.

Q1: What are the previous real estate projects of the home developer?

The housing market offers countless options for home buyers, but quantity does not always equate to quality. The best way to check a homebuilder’s quality of work is by reviewing its completed developments. You can find this information on your home developer’s official website or better yet, ask your real estate agent. Reputable home developers who have been in the real estate industry for a while have completed various projects that you can visit to give you an idea of its actual finished designs and architectural style.

Reputable home developers who have been in the real estate industry for a while have completed various projects that you can visit to give you an idea of its actual finished designs and architectural style. Brittany Corporation, for instance, has developed several world-class real estate properties in the Philippines throughout the years. Crosswinds Tagaytay offers a taste of Switzerland through its luxury condo units and house and lot properties inspired by traditional Swiss chalets. Brittany homes inside Brittany Sta. Rosa, on the other hand, features a modern take on the countryside homes of Southern America. If you are looking for Italian-inspired abodes, the 1-500 hectare private enclave of Vista Alabang is your place to be.

Q2: What is the total cost of the Property?

Before buying a house, you should already have an estimated figure of how much you are willing and capable to spend for your purchase. Setting a budget will make it easier for you to find a house in your target price bracket, especially after you factor in added costs included in the real estate sale. Keep in mind that the stated purchase price of a luxury condo or a luxury house and lot for sale is not its total price.

Often, the total costs include:  

• Purchase price: This refers to the price of the property itself—typically the figures indicated on real estate listings.
• Mortgage Interest:  If a home buyer decides to purchase a property using a loan assistance (e.g., monthly mortgage payment), the buyer will also pay interest rates that come with the loan.
• Homeowners insurance:  Most home buyers pay for a homeowners insurance because the policy provides coverage for losses and expenses in case an accident or unexpected event damages your property.
• Property Taxes: Owning a real estate property means you have to pay yearly property taxes, which fund essential public services in the area (e.g., road maintenance). Typically, your property taxes are already included in your monthly mortgage payments

• HOA fees: Homeowners Association fees cover the maintenance services of a private enclave, including garbage collection, communal pool maintenance, and others.

Majority of these costs, loan fees, and additional expenses will be included in your closing costs. For the uninitiated, closing costs refer to the collective fees you pay once you finalize your real estate purchase. It is a good idea to ask the real estate agent or real estate broker you work with about these figures, so you have an idea of how much house closing costs your purchase might be.

Q3: What is Included in your purchase?

It goes without saying that buying a new property means you are getting a new living space. However, it is good to your real estate agent clearly what comes along with the sale. Does your luxury condo unit come with fixtures, appliances, or a free parking space? Is the garden of the luxury house and lot for sale that you bought landscaped? What are the amenities available for you and, say, your family members? Being clear on these questions save you from misunderstanding further down the sale.

Q4: What are the available options for home loan or home financing?

The average purchase price of luxury homes can amount to millions, if not billions. That said, it is common practice for many investors to buy a house with the help of a mortgage loan. When you apply for a mortgage, a mortgage lender (e.g., banks) loans you a set amount to buy a house, so you don’t need to pay in cash up front. You pay this loan back with interest over a set period of time. Mortgage payments are usually scheduled every month and can last up to several years until the borrowed amount and interest rates are fully paid. Take note that having a good debt to income ratio is often required when getting a mortgage loan.

If you are not buying a house in cash, make it a point to ask your real estate agent about the available financing options for you. Seek professional advice on which loan terms suit your finances, so you can make smart and practical personal finance decisions.

Q5: How long will the construction take place?

If you are buying a pre-selling property, ask the real estate agents you work with about your home’s construction timeline. Pre-selling units refer to real estate properties, either a luxury condo unit or luxury house and lot for sale, that are still in the early phase of development or under construction. You’ll want to stay updated about the construction schedule of your property, so you know what to expect. Building a real estate property from the ground up may take months or years, depending on various factors like size, floor plan, features, and other unforeseen factors like weather, manpower shortage, or shipping delays.

On a related note, your follow up question to your real estate agent should be about construction delays. What happens when the timeline is not followed? What constitutes excusable reasons for a delay? These should be properly stated in your sales contract to protect your move-in timeline.

Got More Home Buying Questions? Brittany Salesforce is Here to Help

Buying a house could be a daunting experience both for first-time and experienced buyers. Asking the right questions before making a move for a huge financial investment is always a good idea. Fortunately, getting the right support that you need makes the process easier. If you have further questions about the sales process, available properties, and other sales inquiries about the world-class developments of Brittany homes, its friendly sales and marketing team is always ready to assist you. Visit Brittany’s Customer Care section by clicking here or reach out to Brittany’s marketing team here.

READ NEXT ARTICLE: HOW ARE YOUNG HOME BUYERS AFFORDING HOMES

The popular quote “no man is an island” is not just applicable to individuals, it can also apply to every country. It is because no country is self-sufficient. At any point, there will be goods and services that a certain country will need others for. This is made possible through importation, the reason why it is possible for us to consume foreign products and services without the need to fly to another country ourselves.

The Philippines is importing goods and services from other countries

According to Investopedia, an import is a good or service bought in one country that was produced in another. It is one of the components of international trade, export being the other one. Needless to say, there should be a balance between these two, or else there will be a deficit that can negatively affect the Philippine economy.

Things to Know about Importation

Through the importation agreement of the Philippines with other countries, people are so used to seeing foreign goods and services on their local grocery stores. It almost involves zero hassle to gain access to such products nowadays.

It is easy to spot foreign goods even in local grocery stores

For example, the world is fascinated with Korean products for the past two years such as skincare, food, and entertainment. There is a huge demand from the Philippines for such products and are known to be selling like hotcakes in huge retail shops. Many foreign-owned businesses have also put up branches in the country because of this trend.

Basically, a country with imported goods means that there is an outflow of money from that country. Companies that do business locally make payments to overseas companies who are also known as the exporters. Having a high number of importation in the country can indicate a great domestic demand and a positive economic growth. More so if the products and services being imported are assets used for productivity such as machines, equipment, and technical assistance which can indicate robust economic activities. This will create a need for more Filipino workforce that will help to alleviate poverty in the country.

However, as previously mentioned, an imbalance in the imports and exports will cause a disruption with the country’s economy. Some of the negative impacts it can cause are the distortion of the country’s trade, badly influence the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and devalue the country’s currency. This is why maintaining a good balance between these two components of international trade is crucial for any country, the Philippines included.

Effect on Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a popular economic term being taught in Philippine schools. It refers to the broad measurement of a country’s overall economic activity. To calculate the GDP, importation value is one of the important components in doing so.

Simply put, the equation means that when the exportation value exceed the imports, this indicates that the country has a positive net exports or a trade surplus. This will largely contribute to the overall economic growth of the country because high exports means that the output level from the exporting country is high. These exported goods mainly come from local factories and industrial facilities in the country, which is highly correlated to job creation. This will decrease the unemployment rate, a major social services concern in many developing countries in Southeast Asia such as the Philippines.

On the other hand, when the exports are falling, then the value is negative which refers to a negative net exports or a trade deficit. While this may not immediately mean that the economy is bad, it is still important to keep the balance to have a healthy economy.

Effect on Currency and Exchange Rates

Finding out the relationship of the country’s imports and exports to the exchange rate involves a complex process. There are many factors involved such as the way the country’s currency is being valued. Also, there is a high correlation between the country’s exchange rate to its international trade performance. The exchange rate affects the country’s imports and exports which in turn affects the exchange rate—it is a constant loop between these components. Although, in general, a strong domestic currency will make imports more cheap while a weak domestic currency will make them more expensive.

Currency and exchange rates are affecting importation, and vice versa

To illustrate, for example the United States dollar were to strengthen against the Philippine peso to a level of 60 Php (to one U.S. dollar). Even if the exporter from the U.S. won’t increase the price of their goods, the price would still increase because of the higher exchange rate value. This will lead the Filipino importer to look for other options in European Union or other countries that may be cheaper than the one from the U.S.

When scenarios like this happen, and there are millions of transactions happening daily, the currency and exchange rates create a huge impact on the country’s importation, and vice versa. We can observe this kind of movement from advisory services of Central Bank or other legitimate sources.

Effect on Inflation and Interest Rates

These days, the rising inflation is the hot topic in many countries. Many consumers are being crippled by high inflation rates mainly because there are no significant increase in real wages, even in Metro Manila. There have been recent efforts which are obviously not enough with the fast increase in prices of products and services in the country.

The prices of goods, local or imported, are heavily affected by the inflation rate

Exports are highly affected by a high inflation rate because of its direct impact to the prices of raw materials being used for the production of goods. A continuous increase in inflation will contribute in the disruption of the international trade balance which will ultimately affect the country’s overall economy.

When it comes to importation, the high inflation rate will lead to a higher interest rate. Subsequently, a high interest rate will negatively affecting the country’s importation value because of its influence on the exchange rate, which was previously discussed. Currency and exchange rates can be a dealbreaker when it comes to international trade.

Bottomline

Many professional in the economic field are still debating to this day about the positive and effects of imports. Some are saying that a reliance on imported goods will create a gap in the demand of locally-produced goods. This will cause local workers to suffer and might cause more unemployment especially in the private sector. This might also hamper rural development as there will be less need for factories and industrial facilities to be built.

However, some economists and analysts are arguing that imports can help in enhancing the people’s quality of life by giving the consumers more choices and possibly cheaper goods they can buy. When natural disasters hit the country and there is an issue with locally-produced goods, imports are the way to go. Lastly, having these options available can also help in battling the crippling effects of inflation in the country.

The bottomline is, there are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to importation. The key is having the perfect balance to keep a healthy economy going. At the end of the day, it is always better to have options.

This also applies for your home. It is always good to have the best options laid out prior to making a huge real estate investment. Brittany Corporation, one of the best luxury real estate developer in the country, offers an extensive portfolio of the most beautiful luxury homes built in prime locations in the Philippines.

Brittany offers luxury real estate properties in the Philippines

Learn more about Brittany Corporation and the latest news about their luxury real estate properties. Visit their official website or follow Brittany’s social media pages.

READ NEXT ARTICLE: COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE CAVITE-LAGUNA EXPRESSWAY

So far, 2022 has been an eventful time for the Philippines—from the eased pandemic restrictions which opened up travel and investment opportunities, like luxury residential properties, again in the country, to the controversial national elections, up to the swearing-in of the new set of public servants in office. These events started a ripple effect in many industries including the real estate market.

Luxury residential properties became more popular during the pandemic

With these recent developments in the country, real estate professionals have a positive outlook when it comes to the industry’s momentum for the rest of the year, and even for the coming years. The good performance from the previous months is expected to continue along with the future plans that are in line for the country.

The previous administration notably gave priority in building massive infrastructure projects that are said to be continued by the newly sworn officials. It is apparent that one of the industries that will benefit most from this direction is real estate.

Building massive infrastructure projects all over the country is a priority in the Philippines

Aside from infrastructure, there is also a direction to push for better facilities that will enhance productivity even with remote work which a lot of people now prefer over the face-to-face work set-up. This is why even with the mandate to return to office, there are still a lot of companies that allow remote or hybrid work set-up. This gives a perfect balance when it comes to the demand between commercial and residential real estate properties.

On top of all these, the luxury residential properties sector which received a great demand during the height of the pandemic is still expected to perform well despite the world’s entry to the post-pandemic era. In a time when home improvements is a huge thing, choosing a better to place to live in became a top option during the peak of the global pandemic.

Luxury Real Estate Trends for the Second Half of 2022

know more about what that current real estate trends that professionals are eyeing for the second half of the year, specifically when it comes to luxury residential properties.

Stable Demand for Luxury Residential Properties

The demand for luxury homes is expected to remain stable this year

When the lockdowns happened, most industries suffered big time. Real estate is not exempted to the crisis, although there is a unique trend that arose in the industry. With people confined to their own homes 24 hours a day, issues with people’s current homes became more noticeable and even became intolerable after some time. This drove many families to look for a better place to live in, especially for the high-income sector who have the means despite the ongoing global crisis.

For the rest of the year, real estate professionals predict that high-end and luxury properties will continue to experience demand just like how the sector showed resilience in the middle of the crisis. The trend will continue along the continuous popularity of home improvement, leisure, and wellness sectors.

The Popularity of Vacation Homes

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, vacation homes are either purchased as an investment property or exclusive for the affluent sector only. As the health crisis turned the world upside down, there have been changes in this area as well.

Country homes and villas are a popular search for homebuyers these days

According to reports from various property consultants, some of the amenities that potential homebuyers are looking for their homes are features that are mostly found with vacation homes such as a swimming pool, health and wellness facilities, air conditioning, ready internet connection, and huge green spaces. Collectively, these features are the very selling points of many luxury residential properties.

It seems like aside from functionality, homebuyers are looking for a place to relax where they can also work and play without much effort. Indeed, the the property’s location and amenities play a huge role in making a relaxing home for homeowners and their families.

Return-to-Office Affects the Condo Market

With the return-to-office mandate, many workers are back to the city and are looking for a new place to live in. This drove many lessor to start renovating their condominium units and apartments in the central business districts such as Bonifacio Global City, where many offices are located. Other top locations for business in the Philippines are Makati and Quezon City.

Return-to-office work set-up brought back demand for both commercial and residential spaces

Aside from offices, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have bene recently allowed back to the country so many foreign nationals are flying to the Philippines. This is good news both for commercial and residential real estate market as the business will result to less vacancy for both industries. This is enforced with better policies in place such as a more clear guidelines on the regulation and tax requirements of POGOs, eased pandemic restrictions in and out of the country, the continuous vaccination efforts, and the non-alarming recurrence of COVID-19 surges.

Increasing Number of Popular Cities Outside Metro Manila

Living in a home located in the country’s capital region is convenient and gives people instant access to daily necessities. However, the quality of life suffers a lot when living a city life. Both the air and noise pollution is getting worse each day while the property prices are skyrocketing as well. This dilemma became more apparent during the lockdowns when the advantages of living in the city is of no use.

In the past two years, residential properties outside Metro Manila have experienced a great demand. The provincial areas became more and more attractive to homebuyers as people start to prioritize their health and overall well-being more. With this move, many establishments are looking into building branches in provincial locations. Nowadays, even high end shopping centers can be found in popular cities outside Metro Manila.

When it comes to commercial spaces, many Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies already invested in provincial areas. Some of the locations that are now considered “major players” in the country’s BPO industry are Bacolod and Cebu which are also known as emerging cities in the Philippines. This will not only affect the commercial real estate but also the residential sector as an increasing demand in properties will be seen in nearby locations along with the rise of businesses in the area.

Buy a Luxury Home with Brittany!

In summary, the real estate industry is on its way to a recovery for the rest of the year from the crisis brought by the pandemic. Also, by this time, the real estate developers and other related businesses have adapted to the trends that emerged from the crisis and was able to cater to their target market better. When it comes to houses for sale with a higher price segment, the pandemic brought a balance of pros and cons in this sector.

Brittany Corporation, one of the leading luxury real estate developers in the Philippines, offer some of the best luxury homes in the country located in prime areas in the country. Brittany developed high-end themed communities in popular cities located south of Metro Manila such as Tagaytay, Santa Rosa, Alabang, and Sucat. All these communities boast of their great beauty and special features that will provide the ultimate luxury living experience to homeowners.

Want to know more about the luxury real estate properties by Brittany Corporation? Interested clients will find such information in Brittany’s official website and social media pages. There is also a link to send sales inquiries, feel free to message via this link.

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