In order to make your house more comfortable and convenient for you to live in, you can install smart equipment and devices that you can control from anywhere.

The emergence of smart homes represent the technological progression of our dwelling-places and how we’ll be able to interact with them in the years to come. Just like how lighting continuously evolves from candles, to gas, to electricity, the numerous systems we usually find in our house are also growing in lockstep with technological advancements.

In the area of lighting, for example, the next step is intelligent wireless control, which eliminates the need to flick a switch when illuminating a room: the smart home will do it for you via motion sensors, scheduling, and/or voice commands.

However, lighting is only a tiny part of what smart home devices can accomplish to make your life easier. Aside from lighting, smart home devices can also aid in the security, comfort, and ease of daily life.

From safeguarding your home with wireless security systems to the automation of your heating and hot water systems, to even having a robot clean your house, smart homes are fast expanding, and together with it are the numerous ways to put its power to work for you.

While these technological advances may appear intimidating and sophisticated at first glance, introducing artificially intelligent assistants and voice control has made it significantly easier to use. Therefore, before purchasing any new connected device for your home, examine the system that you will use to control it.

There is no excuse on why you should not evaluate it at the very least. The world of intelligent technology is enormous, which frequently scares people away. Fortunately, you do not have to be overwhelmed. We’ll walk you through five different types of innovative home technology that we believe you should consider purchasing in 2022.

1. Security Systems In A Smart Home

A connected option that serves dual purposes is an intelligent security system. It safeguards your property with easy-to-install wireless sensors and cameras that you can watch remotely via your smartphone or through a contract with a monitoring service that’ll do the watching for you.

In addition to detecting whether a door or window is opened (or any motion in your home for that matter) while you are away, these sensors can also communicate with other smart devices such as lighting, locks, and thermostats. Once connected, the sensors can inform other devices when to switch off, unlock, or adjust the temperature, thereby increasing the comfort and convenience of your house without the need to lift a finger.

Safety and security are two of the primary worries of any person who lives alone. You can still experience vulnerability even if you don’t live alone – what more when you do live alone.

Regardless of your health or the security of your neighborhood, it never hurts to go over and beyond and ensure the safety and security of your property. There are several smart security systems that you may put in your home.

If you are concerned about becoming wounded or falling while at home alone, you may want to investigate life alert systems.

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Amidst a sprawling landscape of greens and wildlife, Augusta’s Southern American-themed luxury house and lot for sale developments exude classic charm for you to create homes that are bound to become classics.

2. Smart Lighting System in a Smart Home

Choosing which devices to connect first can be a difficult task especially when you own a smart home. We suggest beginning with the lighting. While this may seem insignificant, the ability to turn lights on and off in certain areas even when you are not present can be helpful.

You may be able to upgrade dimmable lights and control them through the same app that controls your smart home. It can assist you in creating a specific ambiance through the use of lighting. Lighting may enhance numerous parts of your life, so experiment with different settings to determine which ones you prefer.

Smart lighting is the poster child for smart homes; it’s simple, enjoyable, and highly beneficial. Allow your lights to switch on when you access your front door to greet you and dull as nighttime gets closer to assist you in winding down. You may also program it to slowly come on in the daytime, to act like a standard alarm clock, or switch on and off completely at random while you’re away to create the illusion of someone being home. The comforts and advantages of smart lighting are limitless.

However, selecting the most connected lighting system can be challenging and a little daunting.

There are two primary paths to intelligent lighting: smart switches that control all the lights on a circuit and smart bulbs that replace existing bulbs. Both paths allow you to control them wirelessly using your phone or a voice assistant.

3. Smart Television

A smart TV is perhaps the most well-known and appealing type of innovative home equipment. People’s perceptions of entertainment have shifted due to these televisions.

They are far more capable than a standard television. In many cases, there is no need to fight with wires to connect your laptop to your TV — you can download most entertaining apps directly to the TV. This has significantly simplified the process of viewing content on streaming websites.

4. Intelligent Smoke Alarm System in a Smart Home

A smart smoke alarm is one of the simplest yet most effective home automation devices. While this is not the most glamorous among other gadgets, it is one of the most vital since it can save your home. Not only does an internet-connected smoke alarm notify you when there is a fire; it also sends an alarm to your phone, allowing you to request help more quickly if you are away.

To ensure that you are woken up in the event of an emergency, the alarm can wirelessly link up with other alarms and activate them all simultaneously.

Not only do smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors sound the alarm, but they also notify your smartphone and other devices. The principle is straightforward: A smoke alarm that alerts you to the presence of a flame near is excellent; however, a smoke alarm that alerts you to the presence of a fire regardless of where you are is even better.

5. Smart Wi-Fi Router in a Smart Home

If you want a smart home – or even if you get to use your cellphone in every room – a mesh Wi-Fi router will simplify things. A mesh Wi-Fi router is designed to distribute Wi-Fi signals throughout your home regardless of thick walls or complex layouts. It comprises one or more ‘hubs’ that you plug into various locations across the house to eliminate dead zones.

Smart home devices are getting more sophisticated and affordable in this new era of technology. The smarter items you have in your house, the more critical the Wi-Fi network gets. To enable you and anyone else in your home to do whatever they want on their smart gadgets, you’ll need a robust WIFI router.

The last thing you need is for your Zoom call to abruptly terminate because your son is consuming all available internet bandwidth while playing a WIFI-required video game.

A Smart WIFI Router is required to ensure that everything loads quickly and reliably. The smart WIFI router continuously scans for available frequencies to ensure a steady connection is accessible at all times. Additionally, it maintains the internet’s continued availability by recognizing and reducing hazards.

The router accomplishes this by redirecting your internet traffic to different physical connectivitions with higher internet bandwidth. Since mobile devices and applications need to be able to communicate with each other, a smart WIFI router is the best option. The outcome is that you and your smart home devices will always be linked.

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 Located in the heart of Brittany’s countryside, the Georgia Club is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It is with great pleasure that Brittany Sta Rosa presents the stunning Carolyn Model Home.

Final Thoughts

Technology has given us numerous advantages that simplifies our lives significantly. There are now devices for nearly every task we undertake. While certain electronics are enjoyable to own, such as the smart mirror or voice-activated light bulbs, others have evolved into a necessity instead of a desire.

There are numerous additional intriguing technologies that you might incorporate into your smart home which are available in Carolyn’s Georgia Club and Augusta tranquil communities. You can discover a device that fits your lifestyle. Indeed, new technology is being continuously introduced daily to make our lives easier.

Start investing in a smart home available in Carolyn. Visit Georgia Club and Augusta and choose the perfect house and lot that will provide your family not just the luxury but also the smart way of living.

The pandemic has made us reflect on the last two years. COVID-19 has also allowed us to anticipate what the future holds for our families, communities, nations, and the entire planet. Trends and new opportunities for investment delight those seeking a new home and an income property. The interest rate in terms of overnight deposit was retained at 1.5 percent, while the lending rate was kept at 2.5 percent.

Obwohl inflation in November 2021 exceeded expectations, some officials see inflation staying within the 2 to 4 percent target band. Other adverse risks to economic recovery include the predicted freezing of global financial conditions.

Crosswinds in Tagaytay is one of the best luxury developments in the Philippines.

Experts have seen the ray of light awaiting in the seemingly unending tunnel we all have been journeying together. They have already considered a remarkable hope for the real estate Philippines market in 2022. The past years of untiring efforts for herd immunity through the vaccination programs across the globe is one of the reasons that the market’s recovery accelerates. This really gives hope to bounce back to the industry that has been in jeopardized when COVID-19 began to spread.

We cannot ignore the fact that Manila still has a thriving culture, economy, and tourism, hence, it is an ideal setting for a home or property investment. Manila has been expected to be one of the Philippine hotspots for property seekers in the year 2022. But there are also great developments in the south, specifically in Tagaytay part, where it is also great to have property investments.

A record low of two percent during its December 2021 meeting was the benchmark of the Philippine central bank as it has seen that the available monetary policy standing is necessary to augment the economy amid the tough waters to sail over brought about the fallout of the new COVID-19 variant called Omicron.

To help you buy a home in the city, we listed the trends we saw from November to December 2021. I hope that this will give you knowledge for house and lot property purchases this year of 2022.

Mid-Cost Projects Increase in Interest rate

Metro Manila’s mid-cost properties sold for 3 million to 6 million pesos during the last quarter of 2021. For the year 2022, it will most likely that the huge offers for discounts on house and lot properties, not to disregard the interest rate of two percent placed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, will expectedly push the trend of buying mid-cost properties available in the market.

A relaxing bedroom from Brittany Corporation’s Swiss condominium in Tagaytay.

Undying Support for Condos

Most page views say that half of the capital city’s population was for condos as the 2021 Christmas approached. As expected, studio units were the most sought-after, possibly due to the increasing number of young professionals looking for work.

The age group of seekers for condo units in the last quarter of 2021 belonged to the 25 to 34 age group which we all know are largely professionals. The highest concentration is likely due to the office reopening in Metro Manila in 2022. But again, we have to always keep in consideration the volatility of the pandemic cases, especially that new variants keep on showing up from nowhere.

Since most companies no longer implement work-from-home setup, employees are opting to buy condos near their workplace.

Beside this, house and lot property owners might look onto devouring the opportunity by opening condo units to accommodate professionals. In Metro Manila alone, investors should yield to the possibility of high increase on rentals for condo units. Last 2021, a huge portion of leads suggest that rentals in the capital range from 5,000 to 30,000 pesos.

Never hesitate calling developments near essential establishments if you are looking for a condo in Manila as residence.

A relaxing balcony at Brittany Corporations’ Swiss condominium in Tagaytay perfect for building memories.

Well-being as a Top Priority

Because of the work-from-home setup that most of us have been engaged in because of the pandemic, leads and page views suggest that property seekers in Metro Manila considered amenities that help in people’s well-being.

Aside from property’s interest rate, productivity features like strong Wi-Fi, good network signal, and air-conditioning are essential considerations.

Of course, it is not surprising that leisure amenities like swimming pools, priceless panoramic views of the metropolis, and the breathtaking scene of the sun at day and night are also in demand. We all know that these amenities help professionals’ well-being by giving them easy access to facilities to help them de-stress and unplug from their screens.

Not to mention security and safety which we all agree to be of most priority on the top list. According to leads and page views, professionals and even families in Metro Manila are looking for properties with security features.

A garage is a must in the capital city due to lockdowns and card ownership. Alarm systems have been a priority as well that should be considered by developers.

A family takes their time to bond in Brittany Corporations’ property in a Swiss condominium in Tagaytay that offers family-friendly experience.

We all believe we need to embrace the new normal, and the Philippines’ real estate market has caught up. Hence, these trends that we are observing now should be considered as the new normal essentials.

Indeed, the pandemic has turned our world upside-down but we have also learned to bounce back. We just need to be mindful of these trends and we will see that we have slowly recuperated.

This is great news for real estate market, as it helps jumpstart the economy when people start to invest again.

One of the significant increases in demand in terms of location for real estates Philippines during the pandemic is Tagaytay.

Though we have mentioned that a lot of professionals have flocked back to the metropolis when business started to open again and are considering going back to the offices, a lot of corporations also opted for long-term remote working opportunities.

Tagaytay has received a huge amount of demand which isn’t puzzling as it offers easy access to nature. Crosswinds Tagaytay of Brittany Corporation, its luxury condo property, has heard this desire of professionals and considered with so much effort everyone’s need for accessibility and well-being.

A clear pool at Brittany Corporations’ Swiss condominium in Tagaytay waiting for someone to try the refreshment it brings about.

Crosswinds, a luxury condo, allows you to own a private sanctuary which has been seen to be a longing for each of us since the pandemic.

This pandemic has hardly let us realize it as deeply important. In this Brittany Corporation property, own a home surrounded by the sight and scent of over 35,000 pine trees, the breathtaking view of the lush terrains of Tagaytay City, and the luxury brought the Swiss-inspired luxury homes.

Real estate has been dancing with pandemic and we all have to do the same. As the virus urges us to see essentials of life, we consider where we live is one of those.

There is a good probability that the Philippine economy will steadily recover this year, and that Filipinos will also recover. The question is, are we ready to embrace this? Are we at the right places right now? Do we have the right tools at hand?

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They say it is not about how bad you want it. It is about how hard you are willing to work for it. While we love talking about luxury condominium and luxury houses in the Philippines, that’s not exactly what we will be discussing right now. In this case, we want to talk to you about luxury cars 2022.

Hustle | Photo by Garrhet Sampson  from unsplash.com

Why People Want Luxury Cars

“Take a long-term approach when you consider getting yourself a new luxury car” says Luxuo and that’s because like buying one of the luxury houses in the Philippines, buying a luxury car is an investment.

Despite the pandemic, people still desire to have luxury cars, in the same way they want to have a piece of luxury real estate, because they genuinely get a sense of fulfillment when they can finally say that they have one. Having a luxury car is an achievement for most adults, or kids if they started succeeding in life at an early age. It’s like they can now finally say that they made it. Their hard work has officially paid off.

When Do You Call it a Luxury Car?

Okay, let’s say you have decided that you want a luxury car, and you have also convinced yourself that you deserve one.

When is a car categorized as luxury?

Regular cars are incomparable to luxury cars. Luxury cars offer a lot more technology features, safety systems, and cabin comforts. Luxury cars are priced way above regular ones, but the benefits absolutely outweigh the cost. Their fit and finish are executed at a higher level. From picking the materials to construction, the care provided in every stage is non-negotiable. Like a luxury real estate created by Brittany corporation, a luxury car stands out above the rest, and it is so much more than a means to move from one place to another.

You might have been eyeing a luxury car for a while now, but here’s what you need to look out for luxury cars 2022. We are including one entry from each of the top 10 luxury car brands in the world.

Are you ready for the ultimate list? To be exact, this list is made with users in mind. We designed this list similar to how we design our Brittany homes.

The Ultimate list of Best Luxury Cars this 2022

BMW

For luxury cars 2022, the line-up of BMW includes gas-only, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with body style consisting of SUVs, sedans, coupes and convertibles.

However, allow us to highlight a car a standard for this automaker’s design, engineering, and luxury in an executive sedan – the BMW 5 Series Sedan. This Next Level Sedan features elevated sports style, technology that highlights convenience as it connects to either Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and executive efficiency. You can be at the top of your game with the BMW 5 Series Sedan’s uncompromising driving dynamics and smarter drive modes with settings that range from performance-oriented to energy-conscious. 

2022 the BMW 5 Series Sedan | Photo from bmwusa.com

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is the most popular luxury car brand. Mercedes-Benz is described by fans as reliable, well-made, high quality, expensive and luxurious. Sounds like one of our Brittany corporation luxury condominium. Well, just like BMW, Mercedes-Benz is also a German luxury automotive marque upgrading their game for luxury cars 2022.

For this year, Mercedes-Benz introduced the New 2022 C-Class Sedan which they say has the, “Sensual purity with a sporty and elegant touch.”

New 2022 C-Class Sedan | Photo from mbusa.com

This best-seller is rejuvenated with leading-edge features and a sharp, dynamic design. With its obvious head-turning exterior, let’s skip to the good part. This Mercedes-Benz sedan has been designed with users’ driving experience in mind.

Interior of New 2022 C-Class Sedan | Photo from mbusa.com

We mean, just look at that. That all-new 11.9” central touchscreen multimedia display is just unparalleled. The portrait orientation enables full-screen navigation, and it is also tilted six degrees towards the driver allowing the user to optimize what this car can do.

Audi

Last year was an eventful one for Audi, launching a handful of new updated SUVs, but Audi has bigger promises for luxury cars 2022. Meeting the new SUV family, this one caught our eyes –the 2022 RS Q8 in red!

2022 RS Q8 in red | Photo from audiusa.com

This one’s for the bold, the fierce, and the goo-getters! Audi is loved by those who are very much into sports. As the first Audi sport SUV, the RS Q8 boasts assertive, sheer power on the outside and indulgent lavishness on the inside. It sits at the very top of the Q8 tree, above the twin-turbo diesel V8 SQ8. That makes the RSQ8 Audi’s most expensive SUV. We really see this standout vehicle cruising through our Brittany homes community.

Tesla

Bloomberg.com claims that 2022 is the year to buy your very first Luxury Electric Car. Here’s why: The value calculation is moving in favor of high-end EVs, especially as demand for gasoline-powered vehicles fades. Owning an electric vehicle is now being perceived as tech savvy and forward thinking for both manufacturers and consumers.

So, what does Tesla have for us this 2022? Meet the Tesla Model 3.

2022 Tesla Model 3 in Blue | Photo from motorbiscuit.com

Although this car is said to be built for safety, this car also claims to have the quickest acceleration. This Tesla Model 3 is fully electric, so you never need to visit a gas station again. What we want you to note is that driving a Tesla is very much like experiencing the future of driving. Its Autopilot claims to have advanced safety and convenience features designed to assist you with the most burdensome parts of driving. Perfect for those who live in a luxury condominium and likes the hustle, not the hassle.

Porsche

Continuing the trend of electric vehicles rising when it comes to luxury cars 2022, let’s look at Porsche’s 2022 Porsche Taycan GTS.

2022 Porsche Taycan GTS | Photo from forbes.com

This Porsche luxury car boasts unique cosmetic enhancements and performance upgrades that make it visually unique and more dynamic on the road. This one has been specifically engineered with the discerning driving enthusiast in mind. The Porsche Taycan GTS’ driving enthusiast mission is evident when you slide onto the supportive bucket seats and take hold of its thick-rimmed Race-Tex steering wheel – this is a driver-oriented luxury car.

Lexus

For those who like it bigger, we’re bringing you the 2022 Lexus LX600. Like luxury houses in the Philippines known not just for its price, but more so for its size, this luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser is Lexus’s largest full-size, body-on-frame SUV. With this car, families living in our Brittany homes community can bring their kids to school, climb a mountain without breaking a sweat and they can have a driver chauffeur them into work in sublime comfort. The 2022 Lexus LX600 promises to be a true flagship for the Lexus brand.

2022 Lexus LX600 | Photo from hearstapps.com

Volvo

When it comes to luxury cars that are family-oriented, we cannot overlook the 2022 Volvo XC90. This is the largest and most expensive model in this automaker’s line-up. The 2022 Volvo XC90 is a three-row midsize luxury SUV that would be great for a family vacation or a road trip for a group of friends. This luxury car has a base Momentum model that has a new standard built-in navigation, while its Advance package now includes a 360-degree camera system, head-up display, and an enhanced air purification system. The Climate package now has a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a headlight cleaner. Now, we may not need heated seats here in this tropical country, but we do need a good self-cleaning luxury car.

2022 Volvo XC90 | Photo from hearstapps.com

Lamborghini

Take a moment and prepare yourself to see this 2022 Lamborghini Huracán STO.

2022 Lamborghini Huracán STO | Photo from forbes.com

That looks like our ultimate dream car when we were younger, doesn’t it? The Italian automaker is offering a $327,000 street-legal race car to the public. This low-slung, arrow-shaped, carbon fiber-bodied, V10-powered, two-seat supercar has been engineered and configured to effortlessly blast around racing circuits at triple-digit speeds. Well, a race car is not exactly suited for the traffic filled roads in our country, but we’re pretty sure you can find a place to drive this like a movie star, because it really looks like something out of an iconic movie cars from a movie scene.

Ferrari

Something out of a movie scene? Picturesque? Brittany corporation and its Italian-inspired luxury real estate is not new to that. So, let’s keep checking out what the excellent Italian automakers have in store for us as we look at Ferrari’s 2022 Ferrari 296GTB. This exotic sports car represents a new era for Ferrari—an era that revolves around a V-6 engine and hybrid technology. Look for the GTB to start the trend of Ferrari models with smaller-displacement engines and hybrid integration as the automotive landscape begins to further embrace electrification.

2022 Ferrari 296GTB | Photo from hearstapps.com

Inside, the 296GTB is an exercise in elegant minimalism. The dashboard features an entirely digital interface that is derived from the SF90. The passenger is also treated to a digital display that Ferrari says is intended to make them feel like a co-driver.

Interior of 2022 Ferrari 296GTB | Photo from hearstapps.com

Land Rover

Finally, we’re wrapping up this rundown of luxury cars 2022 with this 2022 Range Rover Sport, the most dynamic range rover to date.

Besides this unique color we found, the 2022 Range Rover Sport features a sportier exterior design. It has refreshed front and rear bumpers, and wraparound LED lights completing its dramatic, modern feel.

2022 Range Rover Sport in Blue | Photo from landroverusa.com

But it’s not only the exterior that’s stunning, we are also in awe of its clean interior that is enhanced Ambient Interior Lighting and the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.

Stunning interior of the 2022 Range Rover Sport in Blue | Photo from landroverusa.com

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Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, entire countries worldwide have been affected. With the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 276,436,619 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, governments have scrambled to cope up with the devastating effects of the pandemic. Lockdowns were initiated, strict health protocols were set in place, and vaccinations were distributed globally.

Vaccination mandates were put into place by countries to counter the massive spread of COVID-19 worldwide | Photo by Frank Meriño from Pexels

The healthcare sector took a massive weight, with some hospitals lacking space and staff. However, the biggest loser in this crisis was the economy. Organizations and businesses had to close or shut down due to the high costs of physical operations. Investors became fearful of spending their money in the stock markets, even causing one of the world’s biggest cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, exchange rates to crash.  

No one was exempted, especially in the Philippines. In fact, the Philippine economy was hit the hardest during the pandemic as thousands of lives, profits, and jobs were lost. The Asian Development Bank even forecasted a slow expansion 2021 rate for the Philippines. The current GDP growth rate is predicted to stay at 4.5%, one of the lowest rates the country experienced. 

Various businesses and transportation systems had to cut down population capacities, decreasing sales and profits | Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Despite the tribulations, Filipinos remained hopeful as herd immunity set in and the number of COVID-19 cases decreased. However, the economic outlook remains uncertain with a new COVID-19 variant like the Omicron coronavirus. 

In line with this, Filipinos need to be vigilant for the domestic interest rates forecast for 2022.

In times of fluctuation and crisis, it is helpful to be informed at all times on the current interest rates. As of December 2021, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) remains its current benchmark interest rate of 2%, aiming to support the Philippines in its slow recovery against the pandemic. It maintains the predictions of market analysts and think tanks, with BSP forecasting a 3.0% fall projection rate of inflation, well within the target band of 2.0% to 4.0%. 

The reason for the sustained accommodation of the 2% interest rate is due to the threat of another prolonged lockdown with restrictions since there have been reports of the new Omicron coronavirus in the country. Compared to the years 2015 to 2019, the interest rates in the country have played around the boundaries of 3.00% to 4.75%. In 2021-2022 though, 2.00% is the current low record for a 200-basis-point cut in interest rate, with BSP undergoing a “slowly but surely” monetary policy normalization. This is done to ensure a stable economic recovery, all the while anticipating high inflation and an uncertain growth outlook.

BSP maintains the current record-low interest rate of 2% to increase credit demand by 2022 | Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

However, some experts say that if the Philippine economy becomes less burdened down the road, Filipinos can expect an interest rate hike by the period of Q2 in 2022. Suppose things start to look up in the long-term, with credit demand rates also increasing. In that case, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno may decide to change the rate at around 2.50%, according to econometric models from the Trading Economics website. 

However, despite this optimism, other economists beg to differ- claiming that BSP will remain the status quo for 2022, as the Philippines continues to lag in its recovery, with consumption recovery rates being average at best, experts say. 

Apart from the domestic interest rates forecast for 2022, Filipinos also need to take note of current related rates with regard to loans and financing.

Interbank rates remain at 1.81%, with deposit interest rates at 1.50%. The lending rate is also at 2.00%, while the cash reserve ratio is at 12.00%, according to data from September to October 2021. Furthermore, loans To private sectors are marked at around PHP 8206760.00 million, while loans to banks are at PHP 350616.14 million. 

In reading these domestic interest rates for 2022, why do Filipinos need to stay in the know about all this information? 

First off, knowing the domestic interest rates forecast for 2022 is helpful to both Filipino investors, lenders, and borrowers. 

Interest rates are percentages that define how much a borrower pays to get a loan and how much a lender receives in loaning. Interest rates are proportional to inflation rates. The higher the inflation rates are, the higher interest rates are to curb the growth. Since the BSP is trying to push the country into a state of economic growth and recovery, the Central Bank decided to maintain its low-interest rates. 

Having a low-interest rate would encourage Filipinos to borrow money and invest, spurring excitement! From car loans to home equity loans, Filipinos would be enticed to borrow money at a stable rate of 2.00%! This would cause a chain reaction in the country’s economic environment since interest rates affect a lot of economic factors. For example, stocks such as banks and utilities are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes. 

Moreover, knowing the domestic interest rates forecast for 2022 would help investors evaluate their portfolio’s degree of exposure to fluctuating interest rates. After all, when it comes to investment accounts, investors need to know the current economic conditions and policies before making any financial investments in order to minimize risks!

Speaking of investors, 2022 is an excellent year to decide to start investing, while the interest rates are still low! In deciding what to invest in, why not diversify your portfolio with a real estate investment? From rental income to value appreciation, you can surely turn a considerable profit in real estate! But don’t make it just real estate- make it luxury real estate! Want to know why and how to buy luxury real estate? Say no more!

 Luxury real estate investments are all the rage in the new normal, and it’s no surprise! There are a lot of benefits to investing in luxury real estate, as it is considered a thriving and stable sector amidst the pandemic due to the increased protocols of staying at home. 

When it comes to the most beautiful houses in the Philippines, Brittany Corporation brings home the bacon! Featuring locations in various areas such as Tagaytay, Alabang, Laguna, and Sucat, Brittany Corporation brings you luxury and comfort in the city, in the suburbs, and even in nature! With a tasteful array of elegant, charming, rustic, modern, and vintage houses, investing in a Brittany property will surely be a wise decision you won’t regret making for 2022.

The Antonello house model, one of the many beautiful Portofino properties that capture the majesty of Italy.

Other than investors, changes in interest rates also affect a modern-day Filipino consumer with loans being taken here and there! For borrowers with fixed-rate loans, interest rate changes won’t make much impact, but for ones with variable rate loans, it’s better to keep an eye on the rates before going in! 

In addition, knowing the domestic rates forecast for 2022 can help Filipino entrepreneurs venture into new businesses! 

Since the BSP is reinforcing the Philippines as an economic backbone, their accommodating interest rates would allow more entrepreneurs and budding business owners to jump into the capital market! Thus, this results in more job opportunities, more products supplied in the industry, and more chances for profits since the interest rates for 2022 give more leeway. 

When interest rates are high, lending rates are lower for banks because the risk of not being able to afford debt payments and not gaining massive returns of investment (ROI) is higher for both businesses and entrepreneurs. It would be more challenging for companies to get loans because banks would be picky in choosing which clients would produce them reasonably-higher interest rates on their money! 

In contrast, start-ups and innovations would bloom with low-interest rates. Since almost all companies have outstanding loans- having lower interest rates would encourage debt payment with leftover funds for growth, enabling more companies to take the plunge and get a loan!

With lower interest rates, especially on loans, more consumers would splurge on buying big-ticket purchases | Photo by Ono Kosuki from Pexels

Moreover, because interest rates are low, consumerism would also be at its finest since people would have more money to buy products and services even after loan payments. Because there is also a low return on their financial instruments, people would opt to spend their savings instead! Especially during the pandemic, people have turned to retail therapy to cope with the feeling of being stuck at home. Some people started buying more house plants, adopting expensive dogs, and even buying luxury homes for sale due to ease of mortgage payments! 

This creates a ripple effect or a cycle of expansion, in which businesses can partake in capital-extensive projects, and consumers can advocate for those said projects, increasing sales. 

Overall, there are many reasons to watch over the domestic interest rates forecast for 2022.

Whether you’re an existing or budding investor, lender, borrower, entrepreneur, homeowner, employer, or consumer, interest rates are essential matters for your finances. To be smart with your loans and debts, you must always take advantage of the economic conditions that the country is in by being knowledgeable on market trends and interest rates.

 In the pursuit of a more stable economic growth and recovery, the Central Bank of the Philippines will adjust the interest rates accordingly with the inflation rates. Whether inflation will rise or fall in the coming quarters of 2022, one can only hope that the Philippines is on its way to seeing a better economy.

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Out with the old, in with the new! The saying is always true for so many things- experiences, learnings, memories! Upgrading from old to new is the cycle of life, and it is with this perspective that Filipinos face the upcoming new year.

As the new year dawns, Filipinos are excited to find out what 2022 has in store for them | Photo by Cottonbro from Pexels

This 2022, it is nigh time that Filipinos leave all the negative experiences and tribulations that everyone has faced the previous year. From the recurrent lockdowns to the prolonged stay inside homes- COVID-19 has stolen a good chunk of everyone’s lives and months. 

However, technology has really helped everyone cope with the pandemic. Smartphones help while away from the long hours at home. Handy desktops allow employees to diligently accomplish work deadlines and projects. In addition, intelligent AI technology in-house automation systems provide convenience and ease for day-to-day activities at home. Even the emergence of health gadgets helps track fitness goals and status. Indeed, Filipinos have certainly used and depended on their devices a lot more this year. 

In light of looking forward to better experiences in 2022, Filipinos can now get excited about newer and better consumer tech products to upgrade their post-pandemic lifestyle! 

Be on the lookout to get your hands on the best 2022 digital finds, specially created for the modern consumer: 

1. For the gamers and collectors, the Netgear Digital Canvas is for you!

Display your NFT art on a digital canvas, like the new era of digital painting galleries | Photo by Electric Objects from Architectural Digest

2021 was the year that Ethereum, cryptocurrency, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) really bloomed. With these recent trends in the blockchain industry, the tech-giant Netgear plans to present a digital canvas for NFTs on the Consumer Electronics Show for 2022. NFTs are unique digital assets, part of the Ethereum blockchain, that serve as proof of documentation or ownership about anything digital- music, art, files, collectible cards, and even memes. NFTS is one-of-a-kind, and therefore, if you interchange one NFT with another, you won’t get the same token. 

Because of their distinct forms, NFTs are hoarded by collectors and artists. Recent conversations in the industry forecast NFTs being considered as fine art, so if you’re curating for new forms of art, maybe try adding NFTs to your collection! In line with this development, Netgear is creating a canvas for collectors to be able to display their NFTs on a platform called Meural, enabling a distinctive viewing experience for users all around the world.

Imagine having a digital gallery show of the most expensive art paintings in the world- in this case, NFTs are those art paintings! You can view more details about Meural on their website. 

If you’re looking to spruce up your home with collector items for next year, try adding NFT art as one of your 2022 digital finds to the list! 

2. For the worker bees whose companies continue to conduct operations and processes online at home, the new 14-inch and 16-inch Macbook Pro is here to save the day! 

As talks of a new COVID-19 variant called omicron plague countries, companies continue their business operations online, enabling employees to stay at home. Employees hustle daily on their laptops, typing and clicking away at their screens, with multiple tabs and windows open. This day-to-day grind took a toll on their health for some laptops, resulting in slower operations and faster battery drainage.

The good news is that Apple, the creator of one of the most powerful operating systems in gadgets, is launching new 14-inch and 16-inch Macbook Pro laptops, another one of the high quality 2022 digital finds! Equipped with the new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, these babies are supercharged to withstand any high-rendering operations and projects with its 10-core CPU and 16-core CPU. Not only that, but these new Macbook Pros have a battery life of 21 hours, perfect for those all-nighter documents that your boss demands submission for the next day.

The new 14-inch and 16-inch Macbook Pro are redefining the new generation of notebooks with their powerful processors | Photo by Apple

It’s also perfect for editing videos, allowing for 4D, 8K ProRes videos and grade color in HDR on 8K 4444 ProRes videos. These new Macbook Pros feature a Liquid Retina XDR display with a 1080p HD. Indeed, this definition will make your video in company Zoom meetings crystal clear- it’s like you’re really there in person! 

Apple also brings back USB ports besides type-C and enables the return of MagSafe. So if you’re looking to replace your worn-out laptop with a high-performing device that trumps any challenging task you face it with, treat yourself to a new Macbook Pro! 

3. For those house-owners that need a full-time, 24h, no qualms babysitter, the Amazon Astro household robot will melt your worries away! 

Speaking of charming homes installed with Alexa, Amazon has released a new household robot that enables you to monitor your house despite being away! Definitely one of the 2022 digital finds to get your hands on! The Amazon Astro robot will make going out a lot more hassle-free and carefree for those necessary out-of-house trips. If you’re someone who has many valuable items you want to keep a close eye on at home, or if you have a naughty fur baby who likes to get in trouble while you’re away, then this household robot will solve your problems!

Cute like the Disney robot Wall-E, the new Astro robot will take care of you and your house! | Photo by Amazon from BBC

Built with advanced navigation technology, owners can command Astro to go around the house, room to room, like a bodyguard on duty. If Astro detects an unrecognized figure or sound, a notification will be immediately sent to the owner’s phone. Not only that, but the Astro household robot also has a lot of neat features to cater not only to the security and privacy of homes but also in caring for the elderly or for furry pets! 

Astro can be used to send daily reminders together with Alexa and can be purchased to carry additional accessories such as Ziploc containers, an OMRON blood pressure monitor, and a Furbo Dog Camera that can give treats to your pet! 

Of course, the only missing link is that the Astro robot cannot climb stairs, but apart from that, having a household robot that caters to your needs away from home is undoubtedly a must-have for 2022! 

Speaking of Alexa, haven’t you ever wanted to live in an elegant and luxurious home that serves not only an aesthetic appeal but is also convenient with smart home devices? At Brittany Properties, their Eliot homes are the homes of the future! Combining both the beautiful style of old English homes with the ease of technology such as Alexa, Brittany Corporation pioneers the combination of humanity’s spirit with the modern AI!

 Imagine waking up in a rustic and romantic home with the sunlight streaming through your windows- not wanting to get out of bed. You wonder if it would be a perfect day to go on a picnic. Just ask Alexa for the weather- she’ll immediately tell you whether to stay cuddled up in bed or to rise and shine for a sunny day ahead! It’s a perfect dream, and you can make it a reality with Brittany’s smart luxury house and lot for sale! 

4. For the people with dynamic lifestyles who can’t stop the beat, the SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband Speaker will rock your world! 

AirPods, earphones, and headsets are so 2021! Sony’s neckband speaker makes the mark this 2022 for listening to music, which gives ears a break thanks to its upward full-range speaker unit!

Included in the best 2022 digital finds, Sony’s neck speakers will make listening to music and meetings a whole lot easier | Photo by Sony from End Gadgets

Light as a feather, it rests comfortably on your shoulders and will surely give spring to your feet as it pumps out sounds that only YOU can hear! Despite its deceiving appearance, only the wearer will hear the music with its angled technology! It’s also equipped with Precise Voice Pickup Technology, which will make your voice in a meeting crystal clear, all the while minimizing noise and echo! 

There is also a handy dandy button mic button that users can click to quickly mute or unmute themselves. The neckband also features volume buttons, which can be turned up, down, or be used to pause, play, and skip music! Going beyond annoying headset wires and AirPods ear fatigue, this neckband owners can wear it all day on the shoulders and continue to do activities hassle-free! Using Bluetooth tech, the neckband can be connected to laptops, smart TVs, and smartphones! 

Furthermore, its open ear design makes you available to listen to your surroundings, so you can talk at dinner, for example, while listening to your favorite Spotify playlist! Now, isn’t that neat? Your Mozart-listening spree won’t be interrupted, and you won’t be shut off from the conversations happening around you! It’s also splashproof, so you can now wash dishes without having to worry about your ear devices getting wet! 

It’s also perfect for work-at-home employees who want to exercise, for example, while listening to a meeting! With a battery life of 20 hours and a charging time of 10 mins for an additional hour of use, the Sony neckband is the future of listening! 

Indeed, in light of everything happening, the world is transitioning to a digital-based reality forever! As Filipinos happily welcome the new year with open arms, why not invest in these 2022 digital finds? Technology makes everyone’s lives more accessible, and after everything that the world has gone through, everyone can use a little more convenience and ease in their lives.

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A sumptuous holiday table is not complete without a little bit of jingle juice and Christmas mocktails.

Whether you are celebrating the holidays inside your house and lot or outdoors, Christmas celebrations call for a feast and a drink. For many, there is something about popping a good bottle of wine or sipping some White Christmas Margaritas that adds a festive spirit to any occasion. But one important detail that many party hosts often overlook is not everyone drinks. The solution? Make a mocktail.

Keep in mind that some simply dislike the taste of alcohol while others just want to skip the extra calories. There are also those who want to keep their holiday celebrations alcohol-free because of religious or personal reasons. Regardless, non-drinkers should still be able to enjoy a delicious, non-boozy sip that will complement their festive bites. This holiday, make sure no one will be left out in the holiday celebrations by adding a non-alcoholic option to your Christmas menu.

5 Easy & Family-Friendly Mocktail Recipes for Your Holiday Party

A mocktail or mock cocktail is simply a cocktail sans the liquor. A mocktail often consists of juices, fruit sodas, or infused water to mimic the overall flavor of its alcoholic counterparts. From blank to blank, there are many party beverage options for those who prefer to skip the alcohol. Ahead are some family-friendly mocktail recipes that will surely be a hit at your Christmas table. 

Alcohol-Free Hot Buttered Rum

Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1 mocktail

The Christmas air can be a little chilly. A warm and sweet sip from alcohol-free hot buttered rum can help you get cozy inside your luxury house and lot. Here’s what you need to make this mocktail.

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup salted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of ground nutmeg
Dash of ground cardamom
Pinch of ground cloves
1 cup hot water
1 tablespoon heavy cream

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, and ground cloves. Whip the mixture with an electric mixer to make a buttered spice mixture. To make the drink, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the buttered spice into a small mug (about 8 to 10 oz. mug). Fill the cup with hot water and stir to melt the buttered spice. Add some heavy cream as topping and stir again. You can add more or less water and cream according to your taste. 

Tip: It’s best to use the butter spice immediately. But if you need to store it for later use, transfer mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate. 

Sparkling Peach Sunrise

Prep time: 3 minutes | Servings: 1 mocktail

Tequila sunrise minus the tequila? That’s a delightful Sparkling Peach Sunrise for you. This skips the liquor and highlights the taste of peaches. The result is a sweet mocktail with a refreshing sparkle that every guest can enjoy. It’s a perfect drink for a Christmas Eve afternoon, when everyone is feasting on holiday brunch or festive bites on the patio of your Portofino Alabang home.  The best part is you will only need three ingredients to enjoy this sunrise drink!

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup of peach juice (use fresh orange juice if peach juice is not available)
½ cup lemon and lime soda
1 ½ tablespoons of grenadine

DIRECTIONS: 

Place ice cubes in a tall glass and pour in peach (or orange) juice. Fill the glass with lemon and lime soda.  Then, gently pour grenadine into your drink. Take note that it is normal for the grenadine to sink at the bottom and slowly mix with the soda as you stir your drink—like a “sunrise” effect. 

Holiday Mule Mocktail

Prep time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1 mocktail

If you want to step up the holiday home decors inside your Portofino Alabang home, you’ll never go wrong with adding some red and green hues on the Christmas table. Holiday Mule Mocktail is a refreshing drink that looks as festive as its taste. Think of fresh herbs muddled with sugar and cranberry goodness. This charming drink is sure to spread the holiday spirit! 

INGREDIENTS:

0.75 oz of cinnamon syrup
0.75 oz of lime juice
0.5 oz of cranberry juice
1 cup of ginger beer

DIRECTIONS: 

Grab a cocktail shaker and pour in cinnamon syrup, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Toss some ice and shake well. Transfer mix into a glass and pour the ginger beer in. To get that white-Christmas effect, garnish drinks with a rosemary fig. Sprinkle some powdered sugar as a finishing touch. Stir and enjoy. 

No-Alcohol Chocolate Mocha Martini

Prep time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 mocktails

If you have kids at home, adding chocolates and sweet treats in your Christmas menu is a must.  You can bake a gingerbread house version of your Portofino Alabang home, or take the easier route: make a chocolate mocktail. No-alcohol chocolate martini is basically a dessert in a glass. The medley of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla is something choco-lovers of all ages will love. Here’s what you need to make this decedent drink

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups of coconut milk
¼ tablespoons of vanilla coffee syrup
A pinch of salt
Chocolate sauce
Chocolate sprinkles

DIRECTIONS: 

Grab a mini pot and boil the coconut milk over medium heat. Remove the pot from the heat and add chocolate chips and salt to the hot milk. Stir until the chocolate chips melt and blend with the milk. Then, add the vanilla syrup and stir the drink again. Make sure to chill the martini in the fridge

To make the drink look more festive, dip the rim of a martini glass to chocolate syrup and sprinkles. Take out the chilled chocolate martini in the fridge and give it a whisk. Pour the drink on the chocolate-rimmed martini glass and enjoy!

Margarita Mocktail

Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 mocktails

Holiday celebrations in the most expensive houses in the Philippines are not complete without a five-star home cooked dinner.  Here comes another perfect dinner drink if you are having a Christmas party inside your house and lot — margarita. And yes, you can make it without the tequila and triple sec. Just replace the alcohol with fresh citrus juice and your drink, with the perfect balance of sweet and tart, is ready. Here is what you need to prepare this invigorating sip. 

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups of limeade (or 1 oz. limeade concentrate)
3/4 cup of orange juice
1/4 cup of simple syrup
1/2 to 1 cup of club soda
Sugar and coarse salt
Limes or chili for garnish
Ice 

DIRECTIONS: 

Get a mini pitcher and combine limeade, orange juice, and simple syrup. This step is optional, but if you want to have the full margarita experience, grab a plate and mix equal amounts of sugar and coarse salt. For extra spice, you can throw in a dash of chili powder. Use the mixture to coat the rim of your Margarita glass. When you are done, half-fill the glass with ice and pour the lemonade mix you prepared earlier. Make sure to leave a space as you will top the drink up with club soda. For garnish, add lime wedge to the drink.

Raise Your Mocktail Glass No Matter the Season

The beauty of celebrating the holidays in a country as merry as the Philippines is the festivities almost never stop. It is not a shocker to hear that local Christmas celebrations extend up until January. That being said, who will stop you from enjoying these delicious and alcohol-free refreshments solo or with your family, right? Using these easy recipes, you can bring the holiday spirit wherever and whenever!  

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. 

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Why Real Estate Sales Professionals Should Consider Blogging

Most homebuyers already did some home research online before they reached out to a real estate professional like you. (Photo from Unsplash)

The rise of digitalization in sales transformed the way people buy homes. If you are working as a luxury real estate professional, you most likely know how engaged affluent homeowners are online. This highlights the importance of blogging or providing user relevant content to drive sales.  As the pandemic continues to limit face-to-face interactions, many buyers are using online sources like blogs to find information on products and topics that they are currently eyeing. 

There are numbers to back this up as well. While open houses and trippings on the most expensive homes in the Philippines still play a great role in real estate sales, studies show that 97% of homebuyers search about house and lot for sale online first, before deciding whether or not to make a purchase. In other words, real estate blogs have become go-to hubs for those who are looking for easy-to-digest real estate information, tips, reviews, product details, and more. 

Benefits of Having Blogs to Your Real Estate Website

But how exactly is blogging helpful for a luxury real estate professional like you? When used correctly, blogging helps your real estate career in more ways than one. You become more visible to your target audience, build brand loyalty, and generate leads. All these are essential in converting sales. Know more below.

YOU MAKE IT EASY FOR HOMEBUYERS TO FIND YOU

Make yourself visible—especially online. (Photo from Unsplash)

The main goal of working as a real estate professional is to sell. That being said, one of your biggest tasks is to put your name and what you offer out there. Blogging allows you to reach many people, including leads that you won’t be able to reach using other platforms. This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) efforts help. SEO blogging means writing content through a format that will place it on top of search engine results. Say a potential buyer key in house and lot for sale in Google. Having optimized content will help your blogs appear on the first page of Google. As a result, you get more visibility and traffic that will contribute to your sales.

YOU GET HIGH QUALITY LEADS

In marketing, driving traffic to your brand is only the beginning. You have to catch the attention of the RIGHT PEOPLE and make them stay. Having optimized and well-written blogs on your real estate page attracts readers that are already interested in what you are offering. When you earn their trust, high-quality leads will stay and reach out to you. This makes it easier for you to nurture and filter leads.

Do not forget to link your professional social media pages in your blogs. In the same way, make sure to post bits of your blogs to your social media as well. Doing so will encourage your leads from both spaces to engage and interact with you. Plus, people can easily share your content to other potential leads on social media—all for free. You want to maximize the traffic you are getting from both platforms in the most cost-effective way possible.

BLOGGING EARNS CLIENT TRUST BY SHOWING YOUR EXPERTISE

Finding a house is a huge leap for many people. Position yourself as someone they can trust. (Photo from Unsplash)

Buying the most expensive homes in the Philippines involve money, time, and effort. This is why brand credibility is important for homebuyers as they navigate the process of finding their dream home. As a luxury real estate professional, you have to show them that you are someone they can trust. You want them to know that you have what it takes to get the job done and make the buying process smooth and easy for them. 

Every blog you write is a chance for you to show your knowledge and skills. Informative and well-written blogs demonstrate that you know the market well. For example, writing your insights about current real estate trends, market analysis, and other timely topics help people see you as an expert. As a result, more homebuyers will likely contact and work with you when they are ready to buy their homes.  

BLOGGING HELPS YOU STAY RELEVANT TO YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE EVEN WITHOUT ADS

As mentioned earlier, the best part about blogging is your target audience is the one coming to you. When done right, blogging cuts the need for costly and aggressive ads that might drive potential homebuyers away. Great and relevant blogs do not stop generating traffic. As long as you post luxury real estate content that people are looking for, you will remain visible in search engines.  

A good tip to do this: be consistent.  

Post well-written blogs regularly to stay connected with your audience and keep your brand at the tip of everyone’s tongue. Outdated blogs give the impression that you are not active anymore, which can push you off the radar to some potential leads. You do not need to post a blog every day. Just make sure to add fresh contents every week and update your existing contents whenever needed. 

What to Include in Your Luxury Real Estate Blogs

Now that you know how blogging can elevate your marketing efforts, the next step is to know what to write. (Photo from Unsplash)

Many real estate professionals skip blogging because they do not know where to begin. The rule of the thumb is to start with your expertise: real estate. Think about what homebuyers want to know and what particular topics will spark their interest. You do not want to write unrelated content because the goal is to reach the right people. 

Another reminder: do not confuse blogs as ads—make sure to write useful and valuable content that readers would actually want to read. For example, you can include write ups about the most expensive homes in the Philippines or related lifestyle blogs. Adding round ups of house and lot for sale also help homebuyers review their options. Here are some other types of helpful blogs that you can post on your real estate website.  

Real Estate Tips & How-To’s

There are many things to consider in choosing a home. And often, first-time buyers find themselves lost and confused along the way. Writing about tips and guides about the process is just one of the many ways you can do to make things simple and easy for them. Here are some housing tips and guides you can use as inspirations for your next real estate tips and how-to blogs:

• What Every Homeowners Should Know Before Buying Their First Luxury Home
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying A Luxury Lot
• Should you invest in a luxury Condo or on a House and Lot?
• Tips on How to Make Your New Home WFH-Friendly

Localized Contents

A good way to promote what you offer is by writing local contents. (Photo from Unsplash)

Location is one of the important factors that buyers consider before buying a home. Localized blogs include contents that are unique in specific areas and locations. As each city and neighborhood in the country is different in one way or another, this type of blogs can help your content stand out and pull relevant leads. You can write about local getaways, new vacation spots, the best restaurants, local events, and anything unique about a specific real estate location. 

Check out some of these blog inspirations for local contents:

• Top 10 Outdoor Restaurants Near Crosswinds Tagaytay
• Why Alabang is A Great Place for Growing Families
• Why Tagaytay is the Next Perfect Address For You 

Neighborhood Guides and Walkthroughs

Yes, you can include video walkthroughs to your real estate blogs. For many people, moving to a new home means moving to a new neighborhood. You want to help set their expectations and make their move as easy as possible. Neighborhood guides are also helpful in reaching homebuyers with specific preferences. For instance, retirees usually prefer to live in places surrounded with green spaces. Meanwhile, pet-lovers would definitely love to find a community that welcomes their furry companions. If you are selling luxury properties from multiple enclaves, you can write a neighborhood guide for each to attract more traffic.

Here are some examples you can use as inspirations for your next real estate walkthrough blogs:

• Where to Find Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods in the Philippines
• Relocating Soon? Here are the Safest Cities to Live in
• The Best Real Estate Properties Outside the City

The Bottomline: Pulling is Easier than Pushing

Generating real estate leads is often a costly and competitive process. If you are looking for a simpler and less expensive but just as effective option, then blogging is the way to go. By providing useful information to your target market, you are pulling them to be your leads instead of pushing them to connect with you. Building this connection makes it easier for you to nurture and convert such leads. 

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. 

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Close your eyes and visualize the perfect family home for you. What do you see? (Photo from Unsplash)

The ideal house and lot can look and mean differently for many homeowners. To some, the perfect family home is a luxury house and lot outside the city. It’s a place where the whole family can enjoy the full glare of fresh air and nature. To others, the ideal living space is found in urban neighborhoods. No matter what kind of home you have in mind, buying a house and lot for you and your family is a monumental life event. 

Whether you are on your way to buying your first home or to relocating to a new one, you need to find a living space that will enrich and complement your family’s lifestyle, dynamics, routines, and growth. After all, a family house is more than just a house. It will be a witness of every precious moment you share with your family and the next generations to come. So how and where do you begin? Here are some of the things you need to assess when you search for that perfect family home. 

The Perfect Family Home Checklist: Things you Need to Consider

House hunting can be a challenging process because there are many things you need to consider. But you can make the process manageable when you know what you are looking for. It will give you a clear picture of your perfect family home, which in turn narrows down the long list of properties for sale you are eyeing. 

Accessible Location

You might have heard this many times, but location really is king when it comes to finding the best properties for sale out there for your family. If you need to move to a new city, check the accessibility of your preferred area. Proximity to supermarkets, shopping malls, and hospitals is always important. You also want to choose a house that is easily connected to main roads, so you would be within a short drive away from nearby cities, especially if you work out of town. If you are raising kids or planning to have some in the future, find a home near school districts and child-friendly recreational spots like playgrounds, parks, and shopping malls. 

You also want to evaluate whether or not you want to live in the quiet suburbs or in master-planned urban enclaves. If you want to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle between these two, Alabang is the perfect location for you. This upscale district in the South of Metro Manila delivers the best of both city and suburban life. For instance, affluent homeowners of house and lot in Daang Hari can enjoy their slice of serene and green living in the neighborhood while being only a short drive away from business districts. 

A Space for the Whole Family

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way people use the spaces in their homes. (Photo from Unsplash)

More than just a place to rest, most houses have become the place to work, study, and play for many. This is why now more than ever, finding a house that gives your family the space to exist in harmony is a must. Ask yourself:

• How many rooms would your family need and what would they be used for?
• Do you need a separate space for a home office?
• Should you have an extra room for guests or extended family members?
• Are you planning to expand your family soon? 

On top of considering your future plans, it is worth noting if you would want some outdoor space as well. If you are a nature-lover, you should find a home that features a patio, garden, or courtyard where you and the kids can enjoy some fresh air and down time.  

Safety & Security

Safety is a non-negotiable when it comes to finding a home. Even the most beautiful and luxurious properties for sale will not hold a good value in the market if they fall short to safety and security. Brittany homes, like the beautiful rows of Brittany house and lot in Daang Hari are situated in a safe neighborhood with round-the-clock security. For added safety, these luxurious enclaves also used underground utilities for power and communication.  

World-Class Architecture & Amenities

A true mark of a Brittany home is its thematic architecture and top-notch facilities. If you have been dreaming of sharing a slice of Italian-inspired life with your family, you can never go wrong in choosing a house and lot in Portofino Alabang. This luxurious selection of house and lot in Daang Hari is one of Brittany’s best real estate masterpieces. Each house exudes a distinct elegance and rustic charm that perfectly capture the ambience of Old Italy abodes. Think of cupolas, cobblestone pathways, gabled roofs, and pocket gardens as the backdrop of your family life. On top of those, you can also enjoy world-class amenities like golf clubs, swimming pools, and garden parks, among others. 

There is a Portofino Alabang Home for Every Type of Family

Every household has its own set of needs and preferences. Newly-weds and growing families are often on the look for starter homes to settle down on. Meanwhile, most big households prefer a more spacious living space to accommodate their growing family. No matter your needs and preferences, there is a perfect family home waiting for you in Portofino Alabang. The best part is there are RFO (ready-for-occupancy) models available to welcome you and your family. You can skip the tedious process of designing and organizing a new house. Simply move in, settle down, and enjoy your sweet home! Here are some RFO Portofino Alabang Homes you can add on your list of perfect family home options.  

For Newly-Weds or Small Families: Lorenzo Luxury House

Lorenzo: a laidback Italian-Inspired home combined with modern functionalities that fit a growing household.

Meet Lorenzo, an RFO house model from Amore. This Portofino Alabang home is the perfect nest for newly-weds or growing families. The 177 square-meter floor area offers more than enough space for three bedrooms, a huge family hall, a balcony, and a maid’s room. The spacious outdoor space also makes way for a two-carport garage. 

For Big Households: Raphael Ready Home

With its rustic beauty and exclusivity, Raphael is not only a family home—it’s also a valuable asset for affluent investors.

Meet the dream home that fits every huge household: Raphael. This stunning masterpiece is the biggest among the RFO homes of Vista Alabang. Proudly standing on a floor area of 292 square meters, Raphael surely provides a space where all family members, kins, and guests can harmoniously and efficiently be. This rustic mansion also features a beautiful courtyard where everyone can enjoy afternoon teas or savor life’s best moments. 

Come Home to Portofino Alabang

Buying your ideal family home can be a challenging yet exciting adventure. Brittany commits to giving the best homes that will complement and enrich every family’s luxurious lifestyle and environment. Every Brittany home is proudly built and crafted with care and with consideration of for whom these sophisticated homes are designed for. Quality, class, and efficiency are always at the core of Brittany’s enclaves, home architecture, and luxurious living experience– a combination that will help every homeowner realize that they already found their perfect family home. 

Come home to Portofino Alabang home today!

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Virtual meetings have become a regular part of most people’s lives. The result? Zoom fatigue. (Photo from Unsplash)

The pandemic has changed the way people live in more ways than one. And one of the biggest changes can be seen on how people work their way to no-touch engagements. To help stop the spread of the virus, experts suggest minimizing human contact as much as possible. This forces many people to work, play, and socialize at the comfort of their homes or inside their luxury condo. Over time, video meetings and virtual events become the new normal. This change is not one without a cost though. As zoom meetings take a big part of many people’s daily life, Zoom fatigue becomes the latest buzzword in today’s workforce.  

Zoom fatigue is just like what its name suggests. It is the general tiredness you feel in-between or after a video call or a Zoom meeting. And if you have been working from home for quite a while, you might have experienced it in some ways. 

Do You Have Zoom Fatigue?

Signs of Zoom fatigue can feel similar with signs with those of burnout. The difference is you feel this particular tiredness after joining Zoom meetings or other kinds of e-communication platforms like Skype or Facetime. For instance, you always feel more drained than usual after video meetings. Just the thought of turning your camera on and virtually hanging out with your family, friends or colleagues tire you out already. You also notice that your productivity is declining. Not to mention the eye strain you might get from staring at the screen for too long. 

But why do many people find virtual meetings so tiring? Talking on video chats makes it hard to read other people’s body language and other nonverbal cues. As a result, you have to pay extra attention to what the other people on the line are saying or if you are all on the same page. A delay on real-time feedback is another issue. All of these stressors can be overwhelming for the brain and cause Zoom fatigue. 

How Can You Cope with Zoom Fatigue?

Even if the world is slowly heading to a life after a pandemic, the need for virtual meetings is likely here to stay. Not everyone can avoid it, but there are a few ways to make the experience less tiring. Here’s what you can do to prevent Zoom fatigue. 

Try Not to Multitask

Being in a virtual meeting is not the time for you to do unrelated work. (Photo from Unsplash)

Resist the urge to respond to other emails, update your grocery list, or mindlessly scroll through social media during this time. People cannot multitask. It takes at least 15-30 minutes for the brain to effectively switch goals. That is why shuffling from one task to another cuts your focus and productivity. You might miss important parts of the meeting so you need to go through it again. In short, multitasking only adds unnecessary work and stress. Help your mind remain present during meetings. Put your phone away or place it on silent. Close any unrelated emails or applications on screen. Having a simple fidget toy around also helps if you are someone who easily gets distracted. Remember, everyone wants to get things done quickly. But doing so many things at once only slows you down. 

Limit Distractions on Your Screen

It takes a lot of brainpower to process everything that is happening on screen during video calls. Most of the time, you will be hyper focused on staring at your face, checking out how you look. You might also be constantly worrying about the background noises on your place or how the surroundings of your luxury condo unit look. The distractions go beyond you too. Say you are in a group call; staring and making eye contact with multiple faces on the screen can be draining and intimidating. Chances are you will be distracted by the different backgrounds they use as well. Processing all this visual information at the same time can be mentally taxing. 

Fortunately, there is a simple solution for this. Explore the settings of whatever video platform you are using and make needed adjustments. For example, you can hide your self-camera view on Zoom by clicking the “Hide Self View” option. Practice muting your mic when you are not speaking as well. By doing these, you will be less fixated on monitoring yourself and your surroundings. If you feel distracted with the many faces you see on screen, take short breaks by minimizing the window or simply looking away from the screen every now and then.

Move Around and Stretch Your Muscles

Loosening up your muscles before or while working gives you the energy boost you need to reframe your focus and be more productive. (Photo from Unsplash)

Working in an office setting gives you some freedom to at least stretch your muscles during or after meetings. You can stand up to move your legs or walk to the office pantry to grab something to drink. But that is not the case for remote workers who mostly rely on virtual meetings. Because they need to stay within their video frames, their movement is very limited. One way around this is to turn your camera off for a few minutes, step back from the computer screen, and stretch.

You can try changing your position by standing up for a few minutes (if you have been sitting for a while). Quick upper body stretches help too.  To loosen up your shoulders, do the shoulder shrug. Start by raising your shoulders up to your ears. Drop your shoulders after two seconds and start again. If you can’t squeeze a short off-cam time to stretch during your meeting, you can do it afterward.  Try brisk walking around your luxury condo for a few minutes to get your blood pumping and clear your head. 

Don’t Default to Video Calls – Switch to Calls or Email When You Can

Zoom catch ups are convenient, but not every online interaction has to be on camera. Or in meme-speak: this could have been an email. Knowing how tiring video calls can be, it is always important to assess a meeting’s purpose and consider if a video meeting is really needed. If you are in charge, ask yourself: can the conversation happen just as effectively through email, text messages, or quick phone calls? If so, suggest switching. This is especially fitting to conversations outside work like those with your acquaintances and clients, or in situations when a video call might feel too personal.    

But of course, there are times when it is not your call to change or cancel a virtual meeting. In this case, you can still make the experience less draining by timing each meeting right. Block out at least 15 minutes between back-to-back meetings so you can take a break. It is important to schedule at least two “Zoom-free” days too to let your mind rest. 

More Zoom-Meeting Tips from the Brittany Salesforce

Being a real estate professional means dealing with multiple calls, video conferences, and virtual trippings. (Photo from Unsplash)

As the selling arm of Brittany by Vistaland, the Brittany Salesforce places professionalism and employee well-being on the core of its corporate culture. So how do members of the Brittany Salesforce find the balance? Here are some other virtual meeting tips that sales professionals can adapt from the team to avoid Zoom fatigue.  

KEEP ZOOM MEETINGS CLEAR & MEANINGFUL. Hopping on a virtual meeting without knowing what is going to happen can make you feel anxious and all over the place. Help everyone be on the same page by having a clear meeting agenda. The Zoom meeting etiquette on the Brittany Salesforce includes sending a meeting agenda to all participants. All details before and after virtual conferences are also accessible on Brittany’s seller portal: the E-suite.

USE A UNIFORM VIRTUAL BACKGROUND. Using the same virtual background as with everyone else in the meeting will reduce clutter and stressors on screen. This will also give extra privacy to all participants. 

USE SPEAKER VIEW. A virtual meeting with a bug team can be distracting. Using the Speaker View option on Zoom lets the speaker’s video occupy the screen. This makes it easy for you to focus and listen. 

At the end of the day, feeling stressed or tired means your mind and body is calling you to rest. Zoom fatigue is real – take it seriously. Be kind to yourself and set up healthy boundaries. Keep in mind that it is okay to let your team or someone know your limits or when you need to take a break. Doing so might be hard at first, but it is important to keep you healthy and productive in the long run.

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Let’s be honest, if there’s one thing that remain steady and constant in our lives during the pandemic, it is food. People were more inclined on eating, baking, cooking, and experimenting in the kitchen because staying at home gives them all the time in the world. People are even complaining about gaining weight because while working from their luxury homes, a lot of food is part of the day.  

People gather for a feast| Photo from Unsplash Website

Food in times of Pandemic

Did you know that during the pandemic, food is one of the things that brings comfort to people? Food has become a go-to of many of us specially when stressed and discouraged. Food gives a certain good feeling whenever a person has negative feelings. Food activates the brain’s rewards system releasing a chemical that brings relief and reduces tension. 

When the pandemic started, everything became uncertain, and everything was affected. Careers and plans were changed. Dreams and ambitions were shattered to pieces. People got depressed and it caused them to turn to food as their comfort. To some they don’t just eat food, but they got interested to cooking and baking as a creative outlet and stress reliever. 

Suggested Read: Ways To Keep Safe At Home In The New Normal 

As people are becoming foodie, there are certain food that trended and became a highlight for the year 2021. 

Best Food Trends of 2021

Delivery Meals/Food

Since the pandemic forced people to stay at home to be safer and more protected, delivery meals or food has become on top of the best food trends 2021. Food deliveries are being recorded and processed daily with the help of some vehicle courier. Having food delivered in your luxury homes became part of the best food trends of 2021 not only because of faster and easier transaction, but it also paved a way for many people to have income during the pandemic like the grab and lalamove riders. There are also many varieties when choosing food online as if you are buying properties for sale.

Delivery riders are all around especially during the early pandemic

Baking Breads/Desserts 

#StressBaking or #QuarantineBaking, these are two of the many baking hashtag trends during the pandemic and it was both course through until year 2021. To help flattening the curve people still stayed in their luxury homes and do something creative spending their time producing a much more beautiful things than curling up in their couch and be stressed inside home. Many said that baking breads has helped them through the pandemic. It is their outlet to communicate and manage stress. It has helped many to give their energy to a more meaningful task because baking also demands focus says  Valerie Van Galder, the CEO of the Depressed Cake Shop Foundation. More than being beneficial to the baker, the bake breads are also good to the people who receive it. Baking breaks and desserts became part of the best food trends of 2021 because it has become a valuable tool for mental health and self-care.

Baking is a great form of therapy| Photo from Unsplash Website

Vegan/Keto/Plant Based Food/Healthy Food

Because of the increasing concern on physical and mental health during the pandemic, people have been switching to vegan/keto/plant-based food or healthy food to live healthier and longer. These foods that made itself part of the best food trends of 2021 has turned the status quo of people enjoying meats daily to people who no longer eat meats or just on their cheat days. 

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Tiktok Pasta/Tiktok Recipe

As the pandemic continues, people also tend to put their energies using social media to escape in the present and enjoy a different world. Tiktok is one platform that gave people a way to distress. More than the dance challenges, Tiktok offers a wide variety of concepts such as giving general information to the public, showcasing of talents, or a gateway for sales manager to display their properties for sale like house and lot or condo for sale. Another concept that made a hit on tiktok is the tiktok recipe where people upload their way of baking and cooking to be shared on public to use. One of the best food trends of 2021 is the tiktok pastas like the fetapasta that went viral and garnered millions of views spreading like a wildfire.

Tiktok pasta went viral on 2021 and garnered million views| Photo from Unsplash Website

Sushi

No one knew that the pandemic would extend until the end of 2021, but no one also knew that there are foods that hyped and boomed in this year and become part of the best food trends of 2021. Sushi or baked sushi also took it spot on the list. Even Filipinos liked this Japanese cuisine that it even became an online best-selling food. Everyone likes to eat and bake sushi because it is very easy to do plus it has lots of rice in it.

Craving for some Sushi? Visit Yama At Crosswinds today! Cafe Yama is the newest restaurant in Crosswinds, Tagaytay, filled with a wide variety of Japanese Food that will surely satisfy your Sushi Cravings.

Sushi bake bandwagon

Andok’s Litson Baka

What a surprise to see Andok’s Litson to be part of the best food trends of 2021. A local brand has reached the board of trending foods and has caught the attention and taste of many Filipinos. For a certain time, this food did not just go viral on social media and created a Lechon Baka craze but all the more in the physical wherein many branches of the said food trend got out of stock. 

We may stay at our luxury homes or go out on trips to Brittany Corporation beautiful houses; it is important to never neglect eating on time and trying out this best food trends in 2021. 

The trends in 2021 may change for the coming year, but it may help you as you navigate for year 2022. As you start another year, it is best to pursue your dreams and ambitions and not being intimidated with how big it is. Like purchasing your own house and lot.

Brittany Corporation under VistaLand Corporation offers luxury house and lot for sale, and condo for sale. The beauty it carries usually catches the attention of people to check out their house and lot for sale.

If you are planning to have your own house and lot for 2022, you may want to check Brittany Corporation. Home of beautiful and quality houses perfect for your family need. They have competent sales managers that will help you get closer to your dream house. You may want to send message in their Facebook page or email address provided on the site to inquire more about it.

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