Nicquee's Nook

What to Consider When Buying Real Estate

I cannot remember if it was last year or it was in 2010 when we bought our first investment as a family, a vacant lot. The lot is located in an exclusive subdivision here in the north of Manila. We acquired it through a bank loan but with God’s grace, we were able to pay it off in less then a year even if our contract with the bank is five years. We had to pay all the bank fees to have everything processed but that is better than having an outstanding loan.

So what were the things we considered prior to buying the lot?

First, I told hubby that as much as possible, we look for something that is strategically located. By that I meant, the real estate should have a good proximity to school, church, market, hospital and public transportation.

Second, the location should be safe.

Lastly, we considered our financial capability. How much money do we have? Do we have enough to pay for the downpayment? How much can we pay as monthly amortization without getting short for our other expenses such utility bills, food and others? Will we acquire the property through in-house financing or bank loan? What are the pros and cons of each? If we go with bank, which bank?

This year, I think hubby is doing another real estate move. I do not want to divulge anything at this point since everything is still unsure and I do not want to jinx it. But I am praying that it will push through.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for St Louis county real estate and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

In Due Time, Little Princess

In a few hours time, my little girls classmates, schoolmates and teachers are gonna board a bus and take a tour around Manila. The kids will surely love the places and sights they will be seeing; and the parents will capture as much as they can with video recorders, cameras and even with their own memory the priceless joy they will see in their child’s face and expression.

No, I am not envious.

At last minute, we were told Ayex WAS NOT TAKEN OUT of the list of attendees. And that we cannot cancel anymore because the school has already paid. When I picked her up at school, I was informed by their adviser that she IS NOT in the list and it is ok if she does not join. And so we asked her again. She said she will just join. But I know, come morning, she will change her mind and might even throw tantrums. Plus, that is not within this week’s program and there is very little space for alteration. And I just came from a bad case of flu. Simply put, I am not in the mood for it. I know it is for my daughter. But we already visited the place they are going and we already saw the attraction they picked. So on our way home, I asked her again. Finally, she said no. Of course that is accompanied by a long list of conditions including a tub of ice cream after dinner (which she already got)!

Next year, honey, we’ll be ready for a field trip. For now, mommy has to plan when we are visiting the other places we have not seen. I hope finding cheap family deals is as easy as finding www.mega.co.uk discount codes. Mommy has to also fix our schedule because daddy hates driving around the metro when Christmas is nearing because the traffic becomes jammed everywhere. Promise, we will visit the places they will go to and we will make memories too, as a family.

A Mommy’s Dilemma

My eldest’ school sent a letter last week about the upcoming field trip. It will be a day tour around Manila. At first glance, I find it pricey but after doing my research, everything is just right. This is Ayex’s first, if ever. Another milestone for her and for us as parents. The thing is, the field trip will happen on a Friday. Hubby has work and I, I am Maxyn’s yaya.

I really want to accompany her. But what will I do with Maxyn? I cannot tag her along on the field trip because that would mean I have to look after two kids on the road by myself. I am not very confident either that our helper, together with my in-laws, will be able to take care of her during the whole time that we will be away even if I express breastmilk for her.

What will I do?