What Are the Most Common Types of Windows in Filipino Homesn a tropical country like the Philippines, it’s important to choose the right window based on functionality rather than aesthetics. Your window is your shield against typhoons and other extreme weather conditions. It can also help you save on energy bills, or break the bank if the wrong one is chosen. So, how do you decide on the best type of window your home needs? Read until the end to discover the most common types of windows in the Philippines. Casement Windows A casement window is a traditional window that swings open like a door. This means it allows 100% ventilation, unlike sliding windows with only half a percent of airflow. Ideally, this is best for insulation with its tight-sealing design. If you’re using an air-conditioning unit, this can reduce energy costs by preventing heat from getting inside your home. This type of window is easy to maintain using only water and mild soap. Sliding Windows Unlike traditional windows, sliding windows don’t swing open; they slide along a track. This window is a perfect option for smaller homes looking to save space. While it only provides 50% ventilation, it’s still an ideal choice if you want to allow fresh air into your home and circulate freely. You can choose double-glazed glass to seal out heat and noise while allowing natural light into your room. Awning Windows The convenient design of awning windows is ideal for rainproof ventilation. They are hinged at the top and open outward to ensure bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms are still well-ventilated even during rain. At the same time, these windows also provide privacy and allow natural light to enter your home. You can pair your awning window with a fixed glass panel to create a modern look without sacrificing airflow. Louver Windows When it comes to ventilation, nothing beats louvers. In the Philippines, this may be an old school style, but it stays functional as ever in maintaining good airflow around the house. Louver windows are an excellent option if you want a home that breathes and is well-lit. The adjustable horizontal slats provide continuous airflow all day, making it the best window for tropical areas where air circulation is important. Fixed Windows Now, if you live close to nature, it’s good to highlight the beautiful views through a fixed window. However, make sure to position this window in an area with sufficient airflow. You can pair it with an awning or casement, whichever is more appropriate, to ensure proper ventilation despite having fixed window panels. Final Thoughts So, you’ve just discovered the best types of windows depending on their features and advantages. If you want a space-saver, you can opt for sliding windows. For 100% airflow, go for the louvers or casement window type. Check out REALS.PH website for the latest listings of properties for sale in the Philippines, including house and lot in Baguio City and other major cities nationwide.
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Practical Tips to Maintain a Flood-Free Home: Guide for Filipino HomeownersRainy season or not, it’s important to ensure your home is flood-resistant as it poses risks to health and safety. With the increasing frequency of typhoons hitting the country every year, being prepared will keep you and your loved ones safe and sound. So let’s enumerate all the best tips on how to make your home flood-proof in the Philippines. Check Geohazard Conditions Before Buying a Property First things first, the number one tip to avoid the risk of flooding is to acquire a property in a safer zone. You can use geohazard maps to check whether a specific area is disaster-prone or not. Visit the site and observe the surroundings or ask the locals about the issues in the area. It’s also important to check the elevation, as higher elevations can effectively reduce the chances of flooding. Don’t buy properties from catch-basin areas as they are more at risk of flooding. Ways to Keep Your Home Flood-Free Given your property is in a higher elevation or flood-free area, the next thing to check is the structural integrity of your house. Here are the most practical ways to ensure your home is safe from floods during typhoons and heavy rains:
Important Things to Do After Flooding After a flood, assess your home for any possible damage to the structure, including foundation cracks and roof damage. Avoid touching power lines just to make sure, or don’t step in puddles near electrical outlets to avoid electrocution. Before plugging any devices or appliances, make sure the outlets are completely dry. Don’t switch on the power source yet if you haven’t checked the electrical wiring around the house. Keep children away from any source of power, including devices submerged in floodwater. Wash mattresses and upholstered furniture to remove bacteria and other contaminants from floodwaters. Put them under the sun to completely dry and disinfect them before using again. Final Thoughts So now you are aware of how to keep your home in the Philippines safe from floods with a few simple hacks. Make sure to do regular checks on your roofing, walls, windows, and doorways to avoid leaks and other related issues. If you are looking for your next real estate investment, we have condos in Baguio City that you can check out on our REALS.PH website. You can also list a property on the site so our real estate agents can help you sell it online.
How to Claim Insurance Coverage on Pag-IBIG Housing LoanHomeowners who acquired their property through Pag-IBIG housing loan are covered by Mortgage Redemption Insurance. MRI serves as a safety net for the loan in case the property is damaged by natural disasters, such as typhoons. If you want to explore the benefits of this insurance, read this article until the end Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Explained The Pag-IBIG housing loan’s Mortgage Redemption Insurance coverage protects beneficiaries from financial damage due to calamities and other unexpected events. In addition, it also provides protection due to unfortunate events, including death and disability. MRI covers the remaining balance of the loan to help you from financial strain. MRI coverage remains active as long as you’re paying your mortgage every month because the cost is part of the loan payments. This gives Filipino homeowners peace of mind during hardship as there will be no unpaid loan left. It’s important to understand how to file a claim in case your home gets damaged or the borrower passed away. Who Can Request for MRI Claim? A designated beneficiary or loan borrower of Pag-IBIG housing loan can request for insurance claim in case of the following incidents:
Steps to Claim MRI Coverage Benefits If you think you’re qualified to file an insurance claim, here’s how you can request from Pag-IBIG:
Final Thoughts Now that you know how to claim MRI coverage with your Pag-IBIG housing loan, it’s important to complete the requirements and follow the guidelines to avoid issues during the processing. If you want to explore properties through Pag-IBIG loan, you may visit REALS.PH website. We have exclusive listings of house-and-lot units and condominiums in Baguio City that you can check out.
Insurance Coverage for Filipino Homeowners At Flood RiskOne of the most common problems in the Philippines is flooding. This is why homeowners should consider having the right insurance to cover damages from natural disasters, including floods. So let’s talk about the benefits of flood insurance, its coverage, and tips on how to take advantage of the best policy that meets your needs. Why Do You Need Flood Insurance The geographical position of the Philippine archipelago is vulnerable to typhoons and earthquakes. With this, many regions in the country have a high risk of flooding, especially during typhoon season. Imagine having an average of 20 tropical cyclones every year. It’s high time homeowners explore the advantages of having flood insurance. Moreover, climate change also plays a big role in flooding as weather events become more extreme. Drainage systems also get overwhelmed when intense rainfall hits a flood-prone area. According to the World Bank, the Philippines is indeed vulnerable to climate risks. Therefore, the right insurance policy is important for homeowners to survive this potential financial damage. What Is Flood Insurance After recognizing that flooding is a serious threat, the next step is to understand how flood insurance can help you. Flood insurance is specifically designed to provide protection from losses and damages due to flash floods. This policy covers direct physical losses to an insured house due to flooding, including the following:
How to Insure Your Property Insuring your home for flooding is an easy process with key options including:
Final Thoughts Getting flood insurance in the Philippines is simple; just make sure to shop around so you know your options. Once you understand what the policy covers, decide which insurance you want to apply for. If you want to invest in your next home that is free from flooding, you may visit REALS.PH for our exclusive listings of house and lot in Baguio City. Our seasoned real estate agents can assist you throughout the buying process.
Do’s and Don’ts for Homeowners After FloodingWhen it comes to natural disasters, flooding is one of the most devastating, as it can cause extreme damage to homes and lives. This is why it’s important to understand what to do after a flood to ensure safety for you and your loved ones. If your area or subdivision has been flooded due to a typhoon or heavy rains, here’s what you should and should not do according to experts. What To Do The first thing that you should do after a flood is to check your home for any potential dangers, such as damaged structures and downed power lines. Get updates from your local authorities for safety instructions. Wear boots and protective clothing when going back to a flooded area, especially where leptospirosis could be an issue. Floodwater may carry contaminants, including chemicals, debris, and harmful bacteria. When it comes to health, make sure to clean and disinfect your home to kill harmful bacteria on surfaces, particularly in the kitchen. If you experience symptoms of infection or illness, seek medical help immediately. It’s highly advised to keep your tetanus shot and other vaccinations updated, as floodwater may cause diseases. What Not To Do It’s not safe to go back to your home without the advice of local authorities in your area. Risks could be from hidden dangers like electrical hazards, structural damage, and other issues you might not notice. Always wait for the local authorities to announce when it’s safe to go back to your homes to ensure safety. Before using appliances that have been exposed to floodwater, make sure the outlets and devices are completely dry. Discard drinks, foods, and medicines that have been submerged in the floodwater. Avoid walking or coming into contact with floodwater if you have open wounds. If there’s no other source, you may drink from your tap, but make sure to boil it first to kill germs. Contaminated water can make you sick, so make sure the water is safe for drinking as advised by experts. Safety Measures After Flooding If you want to use your insurance, make sure to document the damages through clear photographs. Include descriptions of the damage as well as other items that have been affected. You may also report exposed electrical wires and other significant hazards to local authorities so they can secure them. To stay safe from future flooding, invest in waterproofing and flood barriers. It’s also advisable to create an emergency plan for your family, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Final Thoughts It’s important to understand the risks of floodwater, especially to one’s health. Make sure to follow safety guidelines during and after flooding from your local government unit. Stay prepared if you reside in a flood-prone area, and evacuate when advised. If you’re looking to invest in a flood-free zone, check out our exclusive listings of condominiums in Baguio City at REALS.PH website.
window care guide: 5 hacks to Maintain glass windowsAnyone who owns a glass house or window-heavy home understands how painful it is to maintain all year round. But fret not if you’re planning to build a house with big glass windows because there are simple tricks to keep them clean. From spraying blue glass cleaner to hiring a window-washing service, you have many options when caring and maintaining windows. Read this article to find out the best tips to maintain glass windows in your new home. Use Commercial Window Cleaners The most common option to clean and shine up your windows is using regular window cleaners. Windows in the exterior walls quickly accumulate dust buildup from different weather conditions and animal dirt, so this might not be enough for long-term maintenance. Go for commercial-strength solutions to ensure accumulated dirt and debris are totally removed. Keep Sprinklers Away From Glass It may be convenient to use automatic sprinklers at home, but not for your glass windows. Make sure they are not pointed towards your windows as hard water splash can ruin their shine due to limescale buildup. This may not be a common knowledge for homeowners, so use this to keep your windows clean and shiny. Don't Use Hose When Washing You might think it’s more convenient to just spray your glass windows with a hose outside, it’s not. Truth is, hose water will only make matters worse due to the mineral deposits that the glass will absorb through its porous surface. Instead, get a bucket and wash your windows from the inside. Make sure the glass is completely dry before finishing. Reapply Sealant As Needed Over time, the seal around your windows will warp and shrink, making it inefficient for energy saving in the house. The best way to deal with this is to regularly inspect window sealing and reapply silicone or caulk to keep it tight and pliable. This will keep your glass house comfortable during winter and even summer months Employ Window Care Provider While you can do your best to keep your glass windows in excellent condition, hiring a window care contractor can make it even more efficient and sustainable in the long run. Professional window care providers are often hired twice a year to check seals, clean debris, and maintain the overall shine of glass windows. This is particularly worth it when you have bigger glass windows all around your home. Final Thoughts One of the most important parts of homeownership in the Philippines is maintaining glass windows, especially now that many homes are embracing large glasses to stay close to nature. If you’re looking for a luxury property, browse our REALS.PH listings to see house and lot in Baguio City and other beautiful properties for sale. As one of the most trusted brokerage firms in the North, our licensed real estate agents are here to assist you so you can enjoy shopping around for your dream house.
Building a Typhoon-Resistant Home for Filipinos: Complete Guide 2025In the Philippines, it’s essential to build a typhoon-proof house, as the country is highly susceptible to typhoons and other natural disasters. With the right budget, you can make your home safe from harsh weather conditions year-round. In this guide, let’s cover the best tips for typhoon-proof construction using low-cost housing solutions and resilient roofing materials. Why the Philippines Is Prone to Typhoons The Philippine archipelago is considered one of the world’s most typhoon-prone countries as it is located in the Northwestern Pacific Basin. Due to its geographical location being in the most active tropical cyclone basin, Filipinos experience around 20 cyclones every year, with more or less 8 of them making landfall. Moreover, the position of the Philippines inside the Pacific Ring of Fire also makes it prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Since 1990, there have already been 565 disasters that have hit the country, including landslides, droughts, tsunamis, and floods. This is the very reason why you should build a disaster-resistant house to avoid loss of life and minimize economic damage. Advantages of Typhoon-Proof Houses With a high frequency of typhoons every year and their devastating impact on Filipinos’ livelihood, it’s crucial to construct a typhoon-resilient home to reduce damage. Homes like these are built to withstand heavy rainfall and strong winds. Super typhoons can destroy houses in an instant and push people into poverty. Therefore, a home design with typhoon-resistant features is the best way to enhance safety during a natural disaster. Steps in Building a Typhoon-Resilient Home There are key considerations to make when constructing a typhoon-proof house in the Philippines. Here’s what you need to do:
Final Thoughts Investing in a typhoon-proof house is a great solution to enhance safety during natural disasters. With the right location, durable materials, and proper design features, you can shield your loved ones from danger when a typhoon signal is raised in your area. Take a look at our listings at REALS.PH website, including some of the best condominiums in Baguio City. Our seasoned real estate agents will help you find what you’re exactly looking for.
Feng Shui Tips for New Homebuyers in the PhilippinesOne of the most important milestones in your life is buying a home. However, this comes with making a lot of considerations, including the location and your budget. And to make it even more interesting, you might also want to consider the practice of Feng Shui to ensure a harmonious space for you and your family. So what does this ancient Chinese art have to do with purchasing a new home in the Philippines? What Is Feng Shui? Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art practice that involves harmonizing occupants with their homes or surroundings. This is to help homebuyers ensure their new home maximizes their well-being, happiness, and good luck. There are important Feng Shui principles when choosing a home, including the interior elements, layout of the house, and its environment. All of these can help in balancing your living space. Choosing the Right Location The most important Feng Shui tip in the home-buying process is finding the right location for your new house. This art focuses on your home surroundings because it significantly affects the “chi” or overall flow of energy in your new property. So you want to choose a home where there is positive chi or energy. This is often characterized by well-maintained neighborhoods with a sense of community. The natural elements surrounding the house are also important in the application of Feng Shui. Properties near rivers or bodies of water are said to be beneficial because this element symbolizes abundance, as long as it’s not near your main entrance and the water flows gently. Generally, you want a home located in an environment with a good balance of natural elements. Creating a Balanced Flow The next thing you want to consider for a Feng Shui-friendly home is the design and layout of the house. For instance, the entryway should be open and welcoming so that the positive energy will enter the house freely. Make sure the front door is solid and well-lit, ideally facing your Feng Shui element such as water, earth, wood, fire, or metal. In terms of the layout, the house should have an overall balanced energy flow. There should be no odd shapes in the rooms that may disrupt the flow of chi. And since the living room is the center of social interaction, it should be centrally located and spacious. The kitchen design should promote health and prosperity, where the stove allows the cook to see the front door clearly. Final Thoughts Designing your home is more than just the physical structure; it’s also about creating a space where energy can flow positively. By practicing Feng Shui, you can maximize the positive chi and make your new home a harmonious living space for your loved ones. At REALS.PH, we may not be Feng Shui masters, but we can be your reliable real estate agent, helping you find the perfect home you need. Check out our listings online, including house and lot in Baguio City, for your next real estate investment.
How Peso Depreciation Affects the Real Estate Market in the PhilippinesThere are far-reaching implications when it comes to the depreciation of the Philippine peso, especially in the real estate market. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas explained that the weakening of the Philippine peso is mainly due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, and not because of internal economic weaknesses. In this article, let’s talk about the key effects of declining peso value in the real estate sector. Stronger Purchasing Power for OFWs With the exchange rate reaching almost Php 60 against the U.S. dollar, the significant effects of potential declines extend to investment decisions and buying power. While this has a huge impact on inflation, this also creates great opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers and foreign investors as well. Filipinos who are earning dollars gain significant buying power in real estate, therefore, can expand their investment portfolio and purchase high-value properties at lower rates. This is why the Philippines remains an attractive location for foreign investors, especially in the commercial property and condominium sectors. Higher Costs for Building Materials A weakening peso means higher expenses for the construction and development sector. This is because many of the building materials used in property development are imported, hence they are priced in dollars or other foreign currencies. And this results in higher property prices for local investors, while foreign buyers enjoy affordability. However, this can slow down new developments and focus on high-end properties for foreign markets. Since a weaker peso can lead to inflation as well as high interest rates, it will become more expensive for local buyers to acquire new properties. In addition, this could lead to a slowdown in property transactions among domestic investors. This economic shift can also limit opportunities for Filipinos to own homes, and even harder to expand local businesses through real estate investments. More Stable Assets Despite the economic instability brought by the weakening peso, real estate is still a reliable option against inflation. In terms of market stability and investor confidence, property investments remain an effective way to curb rising prices. Over time, property values go up, so investors benefit from long-term security compared to other asset classes. Real estate remains stable amid currency fluctuations, a valuable investment during tough times. Some great locations to invest in properties include Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and even Baguio City. Baguio is named the wealthiest city outside the National Capital Region, making it a strategic location for investors. Focusing on cities with booming infrastructure projects and business parks is a good place to start as they offer lucrative opportunities in the long run. Final Thoughts Monitoring the peso-dollar exchange rate is a good habit for many investors because it significantly affects investments and the affordability of properties. Despite the depreciation of the peso, Filipinos can still turn this into an opportunity in the real estate market. If you want to invest in luxury condominiums in Baguio City, feel free to visit REALS.PH website for our exclusive listings of different properties for sale in the Philippines.
How to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent: A Quick Guide for BeginnersAll career paths must lead to one thing, and that is success. But sometimes, it takes a few turns to find exactly what you want to do in life. If you want to try working as a real estate agent, you need to build some important habits to succeed and thrive in the industry. In this guide, you will learn how to become a successful real estate agent in the Philippines by simply doing these habits. Investing In Skills When you invest in yourself, you develop more skills that will level up your game in the long run. Think long-term so you can set and sustain your goals. You can listen to podcasts or research on your industry to find ways to improve yourself. The main objective is to become an expert in real estate and keep up with the changing demands of the market. Learning the Market Knowing the market like a local is important in attracting prospects and driving sales. If you’re a real estate agent in Baguio, you must be familiar with the neighborhoods in your area. This way, you can easily answer queries about the surrounding towns in the city. You must be knowledgeable about what has been sold recently or what is on the market that prospects may benefit from. Practicing Good Communication Ever wondered how you sound to potential buyers? Do mock calls with a friend pretending to listen to your listing presentation. You can also record your calls and criticize them constructively. Once you’ve pinpointed your flaws, practice to improve them. Also, make sure to plan your listing presentations to close deals successfully. Building a Large Network No man is an island, so make sure to connect with like-minded individuals and develop good relationships. Your past clients can refer you to new prospects and so on. If you can gather positive testimonials, then you can expand your network across the industry. Discuss ideas with them and explore new ways to elevate your business. Waking Up to a Routine What do you usually do first thing in the morning? That would affect how you spend the rest of the day. Therefore, make sure to build a morning habit that aligns with your goals. For instance, you can read a book or do some yoga to set the mood for the day. Starting your day with something productive will keep you going throughout your busy day. Final Thoughts These habits may be quick and simple, but they help you become a better person each day. The small things that you do actually define how you deal with bigger things. From good communication to building rapport with clients, it’s important that real estate agents know their customers in and out. If you want to check out some available house and lot in Baguio City, feel free to visit REALS.PH website for the best listings online.
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