February 28th 2007

Real Estate Investment Primer

There are a great many books and web sites devoted to real estate investing out there, but most of them concentrate on one specific area of investing. It’s often hard to find a general description of real estate investing, one that lists the various real estate investing strategies and how to get started. That’s what this article will set out to do.

Before beginning, you must understand that real estate investing is not a get rich quick scheme. Real estate investing can, and will, make you wealthy, but it certainly won’t happen overnight and it will require work. As you perfect your technique and gain experience, the amount of work needed to gain a lot of money will reduce, but it will take effort and persistance to make it there.

If you’re completely new to real estate investing then the only sort of investing strategy you’re likely aware of is rental properties.

Landlording has been around since there have been houses and people to rent them to, and it will continue to be a wealth builder. In fact, most of the ‘no money down’ real estate strategies you hear about still include rentals as part of their plan. Still, there are other ways to make money from real estate investing out there.

The next most ‘traditional’ method is to buy a fixer-upper, fix it up, and then sell it for a profit. This is commonly referred to as ‘rehabbing’ and is a very good way to make a lot of money in a relatively short period of time. Most rehabbers won’t even look at a property unless they can make at least $20,000 of profit, and this is usually within 3-4 months time. Rehabbers tend to be experienced investors with available money, or have partners who help provide any extra cash required.

But if you’re just starting out you likely won’t have access to large amounts of money. One way to get involved in this area of real estate investing without needing any money at all is to ‘flip’ houses to these rehabbers. What this entails is you going out and finding these fixer-uppers, noting all the work required to fix the place up. You then place a low offer in to the owner, taking into account the fix up price and some built in profit. Once you have the house under contract you then flip it to a rehabber for a small fee. This can result in several thousand dollars for you, without you having to spend a dime. ‘Flipping’ properties can be a great way to start your real estate investing career.

Another ‘no money down’ technique that’s popular on the late night infomercials is called ‘lease optioning’. This is basically a rent to own strategy that allows you to control a property without ever taking ownership of it. It’s a slightly more complicated strategy that warrents its own article, but it does allow you to make money in several different ways, each without ever having to spend any of your own money. If you’re not put off by longer term investments then lease options are definately worth more research.

There are other strategies that involve foreclosures and getting the home owner to sign the deed over to you, but for now I’d suggest learning more about flipping and lease options as entry-level real estate investing strategies.

How do you find properties that would make good real estate investments? Again, an entire article can be devoted to that, but there are basically two ways: you go looking for them, or you get them to come to you. The first way involves reading the newspaper classifieds and scanning the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is where having a great real estate agent is a must - they can get you more details on homes than you can view on the mls website, and can often let you know of great deals before they even become available to the general public.

Having home owners contact you means setting up an advertising campaign. This can involve placing ads in the newspaper, placing bandit signs at strategic locations around town, starting a direct mail campaign, etc. There are many ways to let people know that there’s a new real estate investor in town, and it would be in your best interest to try each of them to see which ones work best for you.

Whether you decide to go looking for deals, have them come to you, or both, they key is to be persistant. Real estate investing is a numbers game - most of the time you won’t be able to make the deal work, but every time you do it translates into thousands of dollars for you. The more owners you talk to, the more deals you’ll be able to do, the more money you’ll make.

I hope this article gives you a bit of an idea of what the world of real estate investing is like. There’s a lot to learn out there, and all of it is very interesting. Find the area that interests you the most, then get out there and start talking to home owners. Don’t be discouraged if you’re getting turned down a lot - just remember that when it does pay off, it will pay off big!

February 27th 2007

Condo Hotel Investments

What is a Condotel? Is it a condominium? Is it a hotel?Well it’s a combination of both. It’s also one of the hottest types of investment properties around the world and now available in Philippines.

Pacific Concord Properties Inc’s Lancaster Suites in Metro Manila is a condo Hotel (Condotel) in Shaw Boulevard close to the Ortigas Center. Scheduled for opening this year, prices at Lancaster have appreciated very rapidly, almost 100% in the last 3 years.

You buy a condominium as a vacation home within a hotel type property and the condominium is rented out by the hotel when you are not there. Many condo hotels have superior amenities like spas, health and fitness centers, restaurants and business centers. The Lancaster Suites is also set to provide an expanded array of hotel services such as valet, concierge and maid service.

Condo hotel unit owners can receive revenue from participating in the condo hotel’s rental program, helping to offset their ownership expenses and the surplus resulting in a annual return on their investments. The operator of the rental program, in exchange for a 40% share of the revenue, markets the units as a hotel, takes reservations, operates the front desk, staffs and maintains the entire property, and provides the services hotel guests expect, such as housekeeping, food and beverage, and concierge.

If you want the best price and the widest selection, your best bet is to purchase a condo hotel in early preconstruction stages. Nearly all developers begin selling their condo hotel units 18 to 24 months before construction is complete. One such development in the Philippines is Lancaster - The Atrium which is now offering its Condotel suites for sale. By reserving a condo hotel unit at this stage, you’ll be able to pay today’s prices for tomorrow’s real estate. Of course, that also means you’ll have a bit of a wait before you can use your condo hotel vacation home, but the real estate appreciation can yield a very healthy return.

The Lancaster Atrium Suites are now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans…

Effective October 1, 2006 the selling price Lancaster Manila Atrium Tower A Tax Exempt Studio Units is Pesos 75,888 or $1,518.00 per sqm. The One Bedroom, Two and Three Bedroom Suites are priced at Pesos 84,994.56 or $1,700.16 per sqm including Government Taxes [R-Vat 12%]. Units may be purchased on a Six Year No Interest Charge Term of payment or longer term “In-House” financing plans. Turnover of units for Tower A will be from December 2009/2010.

All payments will be made to the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower A Equitable PCI Bank Escrow Trust Account. It is anticipated, given the track record on sales of Tower I Units that property appreciation for initial buyers of Tower A Atrium Units will be at least 70-80% on completion and 100% on turnover of units from December 2009/2010

Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower A Preconstruction Reservations

Executive Studio Suites

Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower II Executive Studio Suites. Average Floor Area 28.17 square meter [304sqft] at $1,518.00/sqm. USD 42,762.06. These units are either facing towards Ortigas Center overlooking Pasig towards Laguna de Bay and Antipolo, Samat Street overlooking Mandaluyong, Makati and towards Manila Bay or the Swimming Pool Deck. All units are within the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium.

The Current Price for a Studio Suite provides it may be purchased with a Reservation Fee USD 500.00 and the Balance then Payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 586.97. Alternatively Save USD 2,535.72 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 30% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 10,142.89 and Balance payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 410.88.

The Lancaster Atrium Executive Studio Suites are also now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Executive Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance of the contract price payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans… Pay only USD 500.00 Reservation for a 28.17 sqm [304 sqft Executive Studio [Contract Price USD 42,762.06] then 60 consecutive monthly payments of only USD 471.93 with the balance of USD 13,946.48 either payable in cash on turnover or to be financed over another 60 months payment plan…..

Another alternative, Save USD 5,663.11 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 67% Net Down Discounted Payment of USD 22,652.46 and the remaining 33% [USD 13,946.48] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Cash Payment option, take a full 20% discount [Save USD 8,552.41] on the unit price… Pay 90% Now [USD 30,788.68] and the remaining 10% [USD 3,420.96] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Executive Studio DeLuxe Suites

Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower A Executive DeLuxe Studio Suites. Average Floor Area 32.50 square meters [350sqft] at $1,518.00/sqm. USD 49,335.00. These units are either facing towards Ortigas Center overlooking Pasig towards Laguna de Bay and Antipolo or overlooking Mandaluyong, Makati and towards Manila Bay or Swimming Pool Deck. All units within the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium. The Current Offer for a Studio Suite provides that it may be purchased with a Reservation Fee USD 500.00 and the Balance then Payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 678.26. Alternatively Save USD 2,930.10 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 30% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 11,720.40 and Balance payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 474.78.

The Lancaster Atrium Executive DeLuxe Studio Suites are also now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Executive Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance of the contract price payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans.

Pay only USD 500.00 Reservation for a 32.50sqm [350sqft Executive Studio [Contract Price USD 49,335.00] then 60 consecutive monthly payments of only USD 545.32 with the balance of USD 16,115.55 either payable in cash on turnover or to be financed over another 60 months payment plan…..

Another alternative, Save USD 6,543.89 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 67% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 26,175.56 and the remaining 33% [USD 16,115.55] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Cash Payment option, take a full 20% discount [Save USD 9,867.00] on the unit price… Pay 90% Now [USD 35,521.20] and the remaining 10% [USD 3,946.80]on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

One Bedroom Corner Suites

Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower A One Bedroom Corner Suites Average Floor Area 62.82 square meters [675 sqft] at $1,700.16/sqm. USD 106,804.05 [Including Taxes] These units are all Corner Suites either facing towards Ortigas Center overlooking Pasig towards Laguna de Bay and Antipolo, Samat Street overlooking Mandaluyong, Makati and towards Manila Bay and the Swimming Pool Deck. All units are within the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium.

Current Special Offer for a One Bedroom Suite provides that it may be purchased with a Reservation Fee USD 500.00 and Balance Payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 1,476.44. Alternatively Save USD 6,378.24 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 30% Net Down Payment of USD 25,512.97 Balance payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 1,033.51.

The Lancaster Atrium One Bedroom Corner Suites are also now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Executive Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance of the contract price payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans…

Pay only USD 500.00 Reservation for a 62.82 sqm [675 sqft One Bedroom Suite [Contract Price USD 106,804.05] then 60 consecutive monthly payments of only USD 1,187.06 with the balance of USD 35,080.34 either payable in cash on turnover or to be financed over another 60 months payment plan…..

Another alternative, Save USD 14,244.74 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 67% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 56,978.97 and the remaining 33% [USD 35,080.34] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Cash Payment option, take a full 20% discount [Save USD 21,360.81] on the unit price. Pay 90% Now [USD 76,898.92] and the remaining 10% [USD 8,544.32] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

One Bedroom Bi-Level “Loft Type” Suites

Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower A Executive 1 Bedroom “Loft Type” Suites. Floor Area 50.69 sqm [546 sqft] at $1,700.16/sqm. USD 86,181.11 [Including Taxes] These 2-Storey ‘Loft Type’ units are overlooking the Swimming Pool Deck. All units within Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium.

Current Special Offer for a One Bedroom “Loft Type” Suite provides purchases with a Reservation Fee USD 500.00 and Balance Payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of only USD 1,190.02. Alternatively Save USD 5,140.86 by making a Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 30% Net Down Payment of USD 20,563.47 resulting Balance payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 833.02.

The Lancaster Atrium One Bedroom “loft Type” Suites are also now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Executive Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance of the contract price payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans.

Pay only USD 500.00 Reservation for a 50.69 sqm [546 sqft One Bedroom “Loft Type” Suite [Contract Price USD 86,181.11] then 60 consecutive monthly payments of only USD 956.77 with the balance of USD 28,274.77 either payable
in cash on turnover or to be financed over another 60 months payment plan…..

Another alternative, Save USD 11,481.28 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 67% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 45,925.07 and the remaining 33% [USD 28,274.77] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Cash Payment option, take a full 20% discount [Save USD 17,236.22] on the unit price. Pay 90% Now [USD 62,050.40] and the remaining 10% [USD 6,894.49] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Two Bedroom Bi-Level “Loft Type” Suites

Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower A Executive Two Bedroom Loft Type Suites. Floor Area 75.67 square meters [815sqft] at $1,700.16/sqm. USD 128,651.11 [Including Tax] These units are all 2-Storey “Loft-Type” Suites either facing towards Ortigas Center overlooking Pasig towards Laguna de Bay and Antipolo, Samat Street overlooking Mandaluyong, Makati and towards Manila Bay and the Swimming Pool Deck. All units are within Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium. The Special Offer for Two Bedroom Suites provides they may be purchased with a Reservation Fee USD 500.00 and the Balance then Payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 1,779.88. Alternatively Save USD 7,689.06 by making a Reservation USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 30% Net Down Payment of USD 30,756.27 and Balance payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments of USD 1,245.91.

The Lancaster Atrium Two Bedroom ‘Loft Type” Suites are also now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Executive Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance of the contract price payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans.

Pay only USD 500.00 Reservation for a 75.67 sqm [815 sqft] Two Bedroom “Loft Type” Suite [Contract Price USD 128,651.11] then 60 equal consecutive monthly payments of only USD 1,431.02 with the balance of USD 42,289.87 either payable in cash on turnover or to be financed over another 60 months payment plan…..

Another alternative, Save USD 17,172.24 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 67% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 68,689.00 and the remaining 33% [USD 42,289.87] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Cash Payment option, take a full 20% discount [Save USD 25,730.22] on the unit price. Pay 90% Now [USD 92,628.80] and the remaining 10% [USD 10,292.09] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Three Bedroom Bi-Level “Loft-Type Corner Suites

Lancaster Atrium Tower A Executive Three Bedroom Loft Type Suites. Average Floor Area 106.00 square meters [1140sqft] at $1,700.16/sqm. USD 180,216.96 [Including Taxes] These units are all “Corner Suites” either facing Ortigas Center overlooking Pasig towards Laguna de Bay and Antipolo or overlooking Mandaluyong, Makati towards Manila Bay and Swimming Pool Deck. All units are within Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium.

The Current Special Offer for the Three Bedroom Suites provides purchases can be made with only USD 500.00 Reservation Balance Payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments USD 2,496.07. Alternatively Save USD 10,783.00 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days 30% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 43,132.08 and Balance payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments USD 1,747.25.

The Lancaster Atrium Three Bedroom Corner Suites are also now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Executive Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance of the contract price payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans.

Pay only USD 500.00 Reservation for a 106.00 sqm [1140 sqft Three Bedroom Suite [Contract Price USD 180,216.96] then 60 consecutive monthly payments of only USD 2,006.84 with the balance of USD 59,306.60 either payable in cash
on turnover or to be financed over another 60 months payment plan.

Another alternative, Save USD 24,082.07 by making th Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 67% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 96,328.29 and the remaining 33% [USD 59,306.60] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Cash Payment option, take a full 20% discount [Save USD 36,043.39] on the unit price…. Pay 90% Now [USD 129,756.21] and the remaining 10% [USD 14,417.36] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Three Bedroom Bi-Level Penthouse Suites

Lancaster Atrium Tower A Executive Three Bedroom Penthouse Suites. Average Floor Area 136.30 square meters [1467 sqft] at $1,856.96/sqm. USD 253,103.65 [Including Taxes] These units are all 2-Storey Loft-Type “Corner Suites” either facing Ortigas Center overlooking Pasig towards Laguna de Bay and Antipolo or overlooking Mandaluyong, Makati towards Manila Bay and Swimming Pool Deck. Current Special Offer for Penthouse Suites provide purchases with USD 500.00 Reservation and Balance Payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments USD 3,508.38. Alternatively Save USD 15,156.21 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days 30% Net Down Payment of USD 60,624.88 and Balance payable without interest over 72 consecutive equal monthly payments USD 2,455.87.

The Lancaster Atrium Penthouse Suites are also now available on the very affordable and competitive New Payment Plan that provides for Executive Suites to be purchased on a No Interest No Down Payment basis with 67% of the payment payable over 60 equal consecutive monthly installments without interest and the 33% balance of the contract price payable upon turnover of the unit or to be paid over an additional 5 years from turnover through our hassle free no prequalification “In-House” Finance Plans.

Pay only USD 500.00 Reservation for a 136.30 sqm [1467 sqft] Three Bedroom Penthouse Suite [Contract Price USD 253,103.65] then 60 consecutive monthly payments of only USD 2,820.74 with the balance of USD 83,359.21 either payable in cash on turnover or to be financed over another 60 months payment plan…..

Another alternative, Save USD 33,848.88 by making the Reservation, USD 500.00 then within 30 days a 67% Net Discounted Down Payment of USD 135,395.56 and the remaining 33% [USD 83,359.21] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Cash Payment option, take a full 20% discount [Save USD 50,620.73] on the unit price. Pay 90% Now [USD 182,234.62] and the remaining 10% [USD 20,248.30] on unit turnover from December 2009/2010

Either type of property is an excellent choice for a vacation home. So, when looking into buying a second home, check out these types of property as an option.

For inquiries on the Lancaster Suites currently available Condotel suites, price and terms of payment available together with information on the Launch of Tower II sales, please contact:

PLC International Marketing Networks
Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Manila Head Office
Shaw Boulevard. Mandaluyong City.
Metro Manila. Philippines 1552
Phone: Manila [63 2] 717 1958
Fax: Manila [63 2] 718 1828
Email:
plcsales@pldtdsl.net
Web:
http://www.lancastersuites.com [Lancaster Condotels]

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