Third Culture Homes

The Raffles Residences Manila: Global brand of luxury apartments in Makati

Maita Siquijor — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:56:00 GMT

Phase Two Now accepting reservations!

• 124 sq. m., 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment "Residents can avail of the hotel's luxury services" - MLS® Php 20,858,670 - Call us for new Phase 2 price offer!

Makati, Metro Manila - The Raffles Residences Manila will be launching its much awaited PHASE TWO during the second offering this November 2008. Two and three bedroom units will be made available. Reserve now!

About the Development

Raffles Manila will be located on the corner of Makati Avenue and Arnaiz Ave (formerly Pasay Road). These residences occupy a premium location with close proximity to Greenbelt and all of the shopping and dining opportunities therein. Makati, home to the influential Makati Business Club and the Philippine Stock Exchange, is often called the Wall Street of the Philippines. In the most stunning tower ever to be built in this highly cosmopolitan city, the Raffles Residences will occupy the top 20 floors of the Raffles Hotel, offering sensational views of Manila Bay or Laguna Bay. True to its reputation
as the entertainment hub of Metro Manila, Raffles promises to deliver urban paradise with elegant restaurants and the “Long Bar” made famous by the Raffles in Singapore.

Sustainable Design

Raffles Manila will be an inspiring architectural landmark conceived by leading architects Arquitectonica and interior designers Bent Severin International, drawing on contemporary Filipino design principles with the interplay of glass. This high-end enclave will change the skyline of Manila with a spectacular 30 floor high-rise complex encompassing 220 Raffles Residences. With a private entrance designated solely for Raffles residents and seamless service, these residential enclaves are perfect for the buyer who wants to indulge in both unmatched luxury and innovation.

Availability: 2 BRs between 124 - 164 sqm, 3 BRs between 209 - 251 sqm cuts

Selling will be open to the public by November 8. Enroll in our Opportunity to Purchase (OTP) program NOW to get first right to reserve. Call Maita Siquijor, accredited Preferred Broker, Raffles Residences Manila, at +639178035263 or e-mail us.

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Ayala Westgrove Heights: Prime lot for rush sale, fronting main clubhouse

Maita Siquijor — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:46:00 GMT

Ayala Westgrove Prime Lot @Php6.6792M!

• 484 sq. m. lot / land - Php 6,679,200- Prime, greenbelt lot!

Ayala Westgrove Heights , Metro Manila - Ayala Westgrove Heights prime lot for sale in Phase 1. This lot is one of the very few that are backing the beautiful Greenbelt Park and fronting the main Clubhouse on Pili Road. Lot size is 484 sqm, priced at Php6,679,200.00, negotiable.

The owner is a motivated seller. Interested buyers, inquire now! As this is a re-sale lot, there is no Value Added Tax (VAT) levied on the price.

About Ayala Westgrove Heights:

Ayala Westgrove Heights has a magnificent and sweeping expanse of over 400 hectares of groves and hills blanketed by thousands of Mango trees. This is where nature entices man to stop and share in its bounty and wonder. On this nature-blessed land will rise the community of the future, worthy of the Filipino family.

Families at Ayala Westgrove Heights can surely have a grand time without even leaving their home with all of the completed amenities of this subdivision. Residents also have easy access to the country’s premier schools that have established annexes in the area such as St. Scholastica’s College-Westgrove, De La Salle University Canlubang, and Don Bosco School. In the future, a Church and a village retail center will be built right outside the gates of the subdivision.

Its gently rolling hills and picturesque surroundings make Ayala Westgrove Heights the perfect environment to raise a family. This growing community in the tranquil confines of Silang, Cavite offers the same security, luxury and high aesthetic standards accorded to every Ayala subdivision. Its proximity to the Laguna Technopark, top schools, and leisure destinations makes it the ideal home for growing families, an assurance of a bright future.

Master Plan Consultant:
Helber, Hastert and Fee, Planners, Inc.
(Hawaii)

Landscape Design Consultants:
IP Santos and Associates
ACL Asia

Architecture and Interior Design Consultants:
The CSJ Group (Clubhouse)
Architecture Network (Kidsgrove Center)

**Lot exclusively brokered by Maita H. Siquijor, Realtor

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How can a condominium owner get exemption from paying the Capital Gains Tax?

Maita Siquijor — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:58:00 GMT

Just sharing with you a portion of my e-mail response to a client's recent inquiry if she can file for exemption from paying the Capital Gains Tax after she has sells her condominium unit in Two Serendra, Fort Bonifacio Global City. She wanted to purchase a larger unit in One Serendra shortly after disposing of her condominium:

As I was advised by my lawyer, you can be exempted from paying the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) from the sale of your condominium if that unit is declared as your primary home in Manila. The other major requirements are: that the replacement primary home is equal to or greater than the value of the one that you disposed of as per what is declared in the BIR for the exemption to be approved; and that you have not availed of any exemption for such within the last 10 years.

There are other requirements for exemption though (NOTE: verify the full list of requirements with a lawyer used to real estate transactions). For simplicity of procedure, you should buy that new condo shortly after you dispose of the first. My other clients had difficulty getting the exemptions when they bought the new property ahead of disposing of the old one (though they ultimately got a BIR ruling after justifying the reason for the exception). You should put the intended capital gains payment in an escrow fund with a bank duly accredited by the BIR. The funds could be released shortly after you show proof of the new purchase. Usually the acquisition should be done within an 18 month period.

If you wish to sell your property in Manila and would like to know more about how to go about getting a capital gains tax exemption, please e-mail me at msiquijor_mhs@yahoo.com.sg. You may also visit my website at http://www.architerra.org and leave some feedback regarding this blog post.

Alabang Hills Village Brand New Designer Home for Sale

Maita Siquijor — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:20:00 GMT

Beautiful Asian modern design

• 380 sq. m., 5 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $15,700,000 PHP - Brand new designer abode

Alabang Hills, Metro Manila - Beautiful, elegant yet modern home for sale; 4 bedrooms, den, 4 toilet and bath, maid's room with own toilet and bath. House slated for completion by November 2008.

According to the owner, the accomplished architect who designed this house envisioned a home that complemented the greenery and foliage, allowed air to flow effortlessly thru the rooms, and maximized the use of natural lighting via strategically placed windows and skylights to save energy throughout the year.

This house is for those who appreciate clean lines, an Asian-modern style, wood elements, neutral hues, smooth surfaces contrasting naturally textured finishes, and space--a feeling of expansive space, large rooms, intelligently planned storage, and high ceilings.

See Architerra.org for details. Call us now at +63917-8035263 for a viewing schedule.

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Apartment For Sale in One Legazpi Park

Maita Siquijor — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 06:02:00 GMT

• 97 sq. m., 2 bdrm apartment - MLS® $10,500,000 PHP - One Legazpi Park @p10.5M

One Legaspi Park , Rada St. - One Legaspi Park Condominium at Rada cor Legaspi Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City. An Ayala Land Premier (formerly Ayala Land, Inc.) development. RFO 2BR unit for sale at Php 10.5M, 97sqm, unfurnished. Mid-rise floor. Complete ammenities in the building include nice pool, gym, function rooms for residents. Excellent security, well-maintained reception lobby, walking distance to Greenbelt Malls. Extra parking slots for sale available from time to time.

Contents seen in the pictures are not included in the sale. Re-confirm price and availability of this unit during your inquiry. This seller has other units in One Legaspi Park that are for re-sale and for lease, from studio to 3 BR units.

The building is not to be confused with the pre-selling building, One Legaspi Place, at Legaspi St., Makati City. Please be guided accordingly.

Inquire about our other Ayala Land Premier condos for lease and re-sale in the Makati area.

The advertiser, Ms. Maita Siquijor, is a licensed Philippine realtor affiliated with the Point2Homes world-wide listings network as a Professional Member.

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Ayala Southvale 2 Storey House for Sale: Premium Property at a Giveaway Price!

Maita Siquijor — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:23:00 GMT

Ayala Southvale House and Lot @Php 17M

• 550 sq. m., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Cathedral ceiling" - $17,000,000 PHP - Rare hardwood floors!

Ayala Southvale , Metro Manila - Ayala Southvale is a stone's throw away from the Alabang Town Center. Private, highly secured, with underground cables. Community facilities include a club house with pool, tennis courts, playground, function rooms Property maintained by Ayala Property Management Group. 10 minutes away from the top private schools in the South such as Dela Salle Zobel, Woodrose School for Girls, Southridge, San Beda Alabang, Ridgefield and Rosemont Pre-Schools.

This 3 year-old house is a gem of a find; owner built, with premium finishes, 10 inch wide narra plank flooring for the bedrooms, Italian tiles, and beautiful Balinese temple door accents to highlight the high cathedral ceiling. A grand stair case leads you to a second floor of spacious bedrooms. Beautiful made-to-measure cabinets with hand-crafted drawers. Landscaped garden with rare decorative plants. Except for some painting on the gate and exteriors, this house is in move-in condition.

Viewings are by appointment only due to the strict security in the area. See to appreciate. Contact us at msiquijor@architerra.org, msiquijor_mhs@yahoo.com.sg, or visit http://www.architerra.org. At the request of the owner, serious buyers are requested to provide their full name, contact number, and mailing address to allow us to attend to you promptly.

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Price Reduced on Alabang, Muntinlupa City 6BR Designer House

Maita Siquijor — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:04:00 GMT

Alabang, Muntinlupa City - Announcing a price reduction on a premium designer house located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 500 sq. m. floor area, 7 bath, 6 bdrm 3 story "Modern Asian inspired" house. Brand new. Price reduced from PHP 22,000,000 to only PHP 19,500,000!

Seller is highly motivated. All serious buyers are invited to schedule a viewing NOW to appreciate this beautiful property, located in one of the newest prime subdivisions in Alabang.

Contact Architerra, Realtors to the Global Filipino, at msiquijor@architerra.org, (63) 917-803-5263 or visit http://www.architerra.org.

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Cubao, Quezon City: 318 sqm Lot for Sale with Improvements

Maita Siquijor — Wed, 23 May 2007 23:00:00 GMT

2 Duplex units for the price!

• Lot with 2 duplex units Php 10,000,000 - Hot location, hi demand!

Cubao, Quezon City - An ideal location for home or office in now booming Cubao. This lot with two duplex units is classified as ok for both commercial and residential use. The duplex needs major renovation to update its finishes and replace worn out portions, but is still tenantable. The foundation walls and structure is remarkably solid, with practically no cracks. The key feature of the property is its excellent location and prime accessibility to the heart of Cubao. Recommended use for the property is for investment, for renovation of structure for rental property or re-sale, or for dormitory development. The property has been seriously considered by offices requiring high pedestrian traffic, visibility and accessibility.

The property is a stone's throw away from SM Cubao, Ali Mall, and right beside the corner of 10th Avenue and P. Tuazon Blvd. For those who wish to invest in property in the area before the newer condominium developments by Megaworld will push prices upward, this property is a steal at its current price!

Contact Architerra now at msiquijor@architerra.org for more viewing.

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Lot / Land For Sale in Bacoor

Maita Siquijor — Wed, 23 May 2007 14:11:00 GMT

Reduced, priced to sell!

• 225 sq. m. lot / land - $1,237,500 PHP - MAIN ROAD, GOOD LOCATION

Bacoor, Cavite - Vacant lot for sale in Meadowood Executive Subdivision, Bacoor Cavite. Lot is along main road and has commercial potential.

Meadowood Executive Subdivision is a Sta. Lucia Properties development. Subdivision is well-maintained, with good security and water. Located in front of SM Bacoor. Only 40 minutes to Makati via Aguinaldo Hi-way and Coastal Road.

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2 Story For Sale in Bf Homes Village Pque

Maita Siquijor — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 01:05:00 GMT

Elegant, owner-built, priced to sell!

• 270 sq. m., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Warm ambiance, spacious" - MLS® $5,800,000 PHP - Php 5,800,000.00

Bf Homes Village Pque , Paranaque - Elegant two storey family home for sale, with deepwell, owner built. Muted colors, pastel colors for children's room, spacious common bath, powder room (furniture and lighting fixtures not included).Well located in a gated and well-secured association in BF Homes. Accessible to San Beda College, and only minutes away from Alabang Town Center.

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For Manila Bulletin Readers

Maita Siquijor — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:06:00 GMT

Do you want us to help you sell your home to the world? Do you know what your property is worth in the Alabang, Paranaque or Makati areas? Avail of our FREE ONLINE HOME EVALUATION now.

Bungalow For Sale in Pacific Village

Maita Siquijor — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 03:53:00 GMT

Beautiful house in prime Alabang village

• 496 sq. m., 3 bath, 2 bdrm bungalow "Mediterranean influences" - MLS® $203,000 USD - Php 9,500,000.00

Pacific Village , Ayala Alabang - A nice home for a young couple, small family or retiree. Those who like gardening,space for children to run around in, barbecue night outs on the patio, and entertaining friends can consider this beautiful home. Pacific Village, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa city is a well-established subdivision flanked by two other exclusive villages, Alabang Hills and San Jose Village. It is minutes away from San Beda Alabang College, PAREF schools (Woodrose for Girls, Southridge for Boys, and pre-schools), Brent International School, & La Salle Zobel, and the best malls in Alabang. The village has a small, tight-knit community of upwardly mobile executives, businessmen and expats. Water and security is 24/7, maintenance is excellent and reminds one of first-class residential areas in Singapore and Malaysia. The association president claims that their water is so clean that it can be drunk right from the tap.

The property: Beautiful, sprawling bungalow in a highly secure and private community right across Alabang Town Center. With garden, morning sun facing. E-mail Architerra for viewing.

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Price Reduced on L6B4B in Punta Fuego

Maita Siquijor — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 01:49:00 GMT

Punta Fuego , Nasugbu - Announcing a price reduction on L6B4B, a lot / land. Now MLS® $116,680 USD - Php 5,589,000.00.

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Duplex For Sale in Cubao

Maita Siquijor — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:48:00 GMT

2 Duplex units for the price!

• 3 bath, 3 bdrm duplex "2 storey unit" - MLS® $10,000,000 PHP - Hot location, hi demand!

Cubao, Quezon City - An ideal location for home or office in now booming Cubao. This lot with two duplex units is classified as ok for both commercial and residential use. The duplex needs some renovation, but the key feature is the lot's excellent location and prime accessibility to the heart of Cubao.

The property is a stone's throw away from SM Cubao, Ali Mall, and right beside the corner of 10th Avenue and P. Tuazon Blvd. For those who wish to invest in property in the area before the newer condominium developments by Megaworld will push prices upward, this property is a steal at its current price!

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Investment Home Buying is Like First Home Buying

Maita Siquijor — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:39:00 GMT

Here are some links from Yahoo Finance on buying your first home. These guidelines hold true even for those who may be buying their 2nd or nth home, for end use or for investment. See our extra notes on how it differs when buying in Manila while based abroad.

Buying Your First Home --If you're based outside the Philippines you'll probably consider getting a house or condo for investment, for a holiday home, for retirement or for an anticipated return to Manila. If so, be upfront with your broker or agent about your expectations, needs, priority locations, what you can afford.

Most importantly, consider your time frame to purchase the property; manage your own expectations and your broker's. If you intend to buy in a year's time, start looking at most only 5-6 months before then. Don't frustrate yourself.

How Much Mortgage Can You Afford? --As brokers we just divide your average monthly net income by 3 (if you'll be so kind to tell me!). That's a rough estimate of how much mortgage expense We do that whether your earning in euros, francs, yen, or USDs.

Costs of Buying a Home --In the Philippines the home inspection costs usually would refer to bank appraisals fees on the collateral (or house) if you're taking out a local-based finance package. This appraisal cost is part of the application fee, where you pay from Php 2,500 to Php3,500 per appraised collateral. Other bank fees are billed after approval of the loan and your actual availment. Other transfer and registration costs you will pay to enable the transfer of the title to your name: the balance of the real estate taxes & association dues for the year from the date of sale, transfer taxes, documentary stamps, registration fees, facilitation fees (which may be 'expedite' fees to process the title transfer at the government agency concerned--this is the quick and dirty way to do it), fees for transferring utilities to your name, and the new member fees as a new resident in the association.

Ongoing Costs --an older home of quality build is cheaper to buy, has bigger space, and sometimes has better wood for the main framework. But buy secondary market homes that need only minimal repairs. That means no need to tear down major walls, overhaul the roof, change electricals or repair foundation structures which require a more sizable renovation budget. You won't be around to oversee the repairs; more importantly the total cost difference may be very minimal as compared to buying a ready-for-occupancy house!

Choosing a Neighborhood --choose a neighborhood you're familiar with: those with good water, security, community facilities, proximity to work or school locations, or whose location offers key strengths. BF Homes Paranaque, for all its problems with village-based water supply, still is popular with buyers South of Metro Manila for accessibility of its location, for its efficient, micro-managed community associations, and for its self-sufficiency of facilities. Ayala Alabang is bannered as an affluent, secure neighborhood of the South. However, one can find a home in other well-secured and well-to-do communities in Alabang. For this Alabang Hills, Pacific Village, Hillsborough, and Pacific Malayan Village are worth exploring.

Finding a Broker --check the credentials of the broker (and in fact, check if he is really a licensed broker or a legitimate agent), ask your relatives to refer one to you, or simply e-mail us and see how we can meet your expectations!

In the next posting, we'll talk about documentation required to buy or sell your home if you are not living in Manila.