The traditional homebuying process in the Philippines has the tendency to take the buying control away from the homebuyer. Because there are too many people involved, the decisions of the homebuyers are often unduly influenced, resulting in half-hearted decisions that they regret later on in the future.
But for the lucky few who were able to stand their ground and insist on getting their home of choice, they emerged from the homebuying process happier, because of their confidence in their decisions. And some of these homebuyers enjoyed the process so much that they are willing to buy more properties again, this time as smart and confident investors.
But how does one pitch what they want in a home? Here are 5 pointers on how:
1. Know what you want, and anticipate your future needs.
Almost every Filipino wants to own a home. But most of us go through the process without even knowing what type of home we really want. Will your family fit into a two-bedroom condo? Is the parking space or the swimming pool worth the extra expense? People who are easily swayed by friends, or in most cases, devious brokers, could end up getting overwhelmed with their choices. For the unfortunate few, they might end up bankrupt and having their homes foreclosed.
Every homebuyer should take time to sit down and determine what they actually want in a home. If you do not know what you want, at least set standards on what’s an ideal home for you to guide you when checking out properties. The standards could either be a list of questions, requirements, specifications, or emotions.
Moreover, your future home should be a place where you can “grow into” or “shrink into.” This is essential for homebuyers who will be paying their homes on mortgages and are planning to stay in their future homes for a very long time. Factors like proximity to important establishments (e.g. schools, malls, parks, gas stations, supermarkets) and jobs (business districts), walkability, community safety, and maintenance should be taken into account when choosing a property.
2 . Partner up with a broker that matches your way of thinking.
Whether we like it or not, brokers are among the most important people in the homebuying process. As such, finding the right one who understands you and your needs (#1) is crucial. A great broker knows how to listen and get attuned to you. Think of them as guides who can better interpret your needs into something concrete, like home choices and feasible home financing schemes.
3. Find the “communication sweetspot” with your broker or agent.
Filipinos have the knack to tiptoe around a conversation, especially on topics that they do not know about (ex. home financing). This often leads to real estate professionals taking the lead when it comes to decision-making.
Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg shared that the secret in authentic communication is building and nurturing a two-way dialogue. As a homebuyer, discuss or argue on “what you believe” instead of “this is how it should be” with your broker or agent.
4. Use the active voice in the homebuying process.
What’s the use of knowing what you want in a home if you are not taking an active stake during the homebuying process? More often than not, first-time homebuyers are not vocal about their thoughts. This often leads to real estate professionals taking the lead when it comes to decision-making.
Avoid falling for this scenario by speaking up in the active voice. The active voice is literally telling what a person, (in this case, your agent or broker) should do. Here are a couple of samples:
Scenario 1
Agent: The Makati house and lot you like can be bought on a 20% downpayment and bank/Pag-IBIG financing. Let’s get the bank financing na lang.
Passive Voice: Bank financing? Ah, yung Pag-IBIG financing na lang kukunin ko.
Active Voice: No, gusto kong bilhin via Pag-IBIG financing.
Scenario 2
Broker: Let’s get the Taguig condo we saw yesterday. May 10% discount sa downpayment, hanggang mamayang hapon na lang!
Passive Voice: 10% discount? Um, yung condo pag-iisipan ko.
Active Voice: 10% discount? That’s nice, but I will think about it. Balikan kita ha?
Speaking in the active voice allows you to assert control over your decisions.
5. Be brave about making hard choices along the way.
You are already going through the process to making the biggest purchase of your life, so why be afraid of making hard choices (ex. letting go of a property you are have been eyeing for an alternative that’s less expensive)? Decision-making will only be hard if you have not done your homework (#1), and do not trust yourself to make an assessment. People who are passionate about their choices are brave in taking leaps of faith and do not look back.
Read how a full-time mom and entrepreneur got what she wanted in a home after years of renting.
