When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?

A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, the world's largest professional association. The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Members belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS® and can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Working for America's property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members.

Check out the Public Awareness Campaign television and radio spots that encourage consumers to rely on the expertise and integrity of REALTORS®.

The NAR advertising campaign runs February through November on network and cable television and network and satellite radio, helping consumers understand the real value of working with REALTORS®. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, REALTORS® are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.

Analysis of Stock Market vs Real Estate Investing

Have you ever wondered, how does investing in stock market compares with real estate investment? Well they both have their merits and demerits and are suitable for different sections of people.

While stock market is accessible to mass retail investors and is far more liquid, real estate investment requires more upfront commitment and may not be liquidated that easily.

Stock investing and real estate investing have the same basic financial objectives. People invest money in both to make money from growth and/or income. Growth through price appreciation (increase in value or market price) is where you really make the big bucks.

Here we have tried to compare these investment options from a very objective perspective and have considered both these avenues from pure investment vehicles.

For simplicity, we have assumed that both stock and real estate investment grow at same rate of 10 percent per annum. Further, same amount of investment at same periodicity is considered in both the options. The time horizon for investments to mature is taken to be 5 years.

Suppose you decide to buy a real estate house valued at 50 lacs by taking maximum i.e. 85 percent financing. This means you put 7.50 lacs as down payment and rest spread out as equated monthly installments at 9% reducing rate of interest for a period of 15 years, which comes out to be Rs. 43,106 per month. Further an additional Rs. 385,000 would be required for covering registration of your house property and loan processing costs. An additional cost of maintenance of house property at the rate of 1 per cent per annum of the value of the house is considered.

You on the other hand invest the same amount of Rs. 7.50 lacs in stock market index fund i.e. 7.50 lacs starting investment and a regular investment of Rs. 43,106 per month during the investment period.

After acquiring your house property, you decide to rent it out at prevailing annual market rent of 2 to 3 percent of the property value to start the income stream. Although you can get dividends in stock investments, we have kept it out of consideration as dividend rates and assurance of dividends are not guaranteed. Further, dividends are paid out on the face value of the stock rather than on the market value of single share of that stock.

At the end of 5 years, you decide to sell off your investment in both these asset classes. The net value in real estate investment means the realized value after repaying the balance loan amount.

Stock Investing vs. Real Estate Investing

Let’s compare the profitability of these investment options.

Year	Invested Amount	Stock Investment	Real Estate Investment
		Net Value	Net Value	Income	Costs
Year 1	1,267,276	1,370,190	1,414,042	156,000	438,250
Year 2	517,276	2,055,323	2,146,086	168,000	59,000
Year 3	517,276	2,812,197	2,953,109	186,000	65,000
Year 4	517,276	3,648,327	3,842,805	210,000	71,667
Year 5	517,276	4,572,010	4,823,658	234,000	79,083
Total Value	3,336,380	4,572,010	4,823,658	954,000	713,000

Particulars	Stock Market	Real Estate
Total Investment (Amount Invested + Costs)	3,336,380	4,049,380
Total Amount Realized (net value + Income)	4,572,010	5,777,658
Return	37.04%	42.68%

Stock investing: The stock investment would generate a return of 37.04 percent in 5 years. Over the long term the stock market provide a return close to 10 percent plus per year. In this example our assumed growth rate was 10 percent per annum, plain and simple.

Real estate investing: The real estate investment yielded a return of 42.68 percent in 5 years. You may however decide, not to rent out your property but in such case your returns may also drop considerably as the costs involved in maintaining the property will have to be borne by you as out of pocket expense. Although, we have assumed a 10 percent per annum growth in property prices, however, real estate has shown far greater appreciations in the past. Investments in property is considered a safer bet when it comes to investing as you are investing in a “real” asset.

Investment Liquidity

Most important differences in these two investment options is liquidity. Selling a property can be costly and time consuming. On the other hand, stocks offer high liquidity, meaning that you can sell a stock investment quickly and easily with low costs.

This difference is critical, as you need to have a very high holding capacity in case you are not able to sell your real estate investment at the desired price.

Further, Real estate properties require active management, and lack good liquidity as an investment. Although, active management is required if you are investing in individual stocks and have not invested in an Index fund (as in this example) or have taken the Mutual Fund route to invested in stock market.

Awareness is the key to maximize returns

You and I both know that when you invest money to make money your success really depends on how well you know and play the game, no matter what arena you invest money in. For example, if you are good at selecting, improving, managing and financing real estate properties you can do much better than the above example.

You can also make over 10 percent a year in stock investing if you know how to invest in the stock market. The problem for most of us is that we don’t know how to invest in stocks, we are uninformed. Hence, stock investing for most of us is a risky business.

On the other hand, traditionally many of us are comfortable with real estate investing because we are more familiar with real estate market (we see it every day and better understand the factors that affect the real estate prices around us). Real estate properties have historically gone up in value without many violent downswings. The stock market usually experiences a greater degree of volatility.

A sanctuary of tranquility for Holy Week

SAVOIR FAIRE By Mayenne Carmona (The Philippine Star) Updated March 21, 2009 12:00 AM

Horseback riding is rarely offered in any other resort.

It is exactly 16 days to Holy Monday and most of you have already made plans for the Easter holidays. For those who are undecided on where to go abroad, there are several factors to consider. How far do you want to travel? (For six days or shorter it could only be around Asia, I suppose.) What is the purpose of your trip? Is it shop-till-you-drop, to relax and unwind, to bond with the significant other and family?

If it is all of the above, I highly recommend a trip to Phuket, Thailand.

Last year, my friends and I went to Phuket and were astonished to discover the stunning natural beauty of the island. There were no traces of the devastation that the tsunami caused in 2004. Every building that the tsunami demolished was rebuilt, giving tourists more choices for their needs and budget. You will find what you need in Phuket — luxurious and secluded, wild and untamed for the adventurous, or somewhere in between — they are all here and more.

One can enjoy diving in the Andaman Sea, great golf at championship courses, exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, nightlife at Patong Beach, gourmet Thai dinners at authentic restaurants, or simply relaxing on palm-lined, fine-sand beaches at the island’s world-class resorts. If you like to shop, there are lots of markets, boutiques and fashion outlets where one can find clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry and home stores for bed linens, carved furniture, porcelain and celadon dishes that Phuket is noted for. It is not surprising that Phuket is the premier beach holiday destination in Asia, drawing in around five million tourists a year.

At Bao Tang Bay in Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna is said to be the jewel in the crown of the Laguna Resort Development. Dusit Thani offers so many recreational activities, which made our Easter holiday so enjoyable. My friends’ husbands played golf in the resort’s 18-hole golf course while the ladies shopped for celadon and jewelry. For those of us who wanted to stay fit, the DFIT fitness center offered personal trainers and classes. There was also team biking as an added activity, which some of us joined. There were cooking classes, delicious massages at the Angsana Spa (or on the beach by local masseuses for only 300 baht) and horseback riding, too. For those who wanted to have solitude and quiet moments, there were the vast tropical gardens for meditation and prayer.

Guests arriving at Dusit Thani Laguna enter a sanctuary of tranquility shaded by native casuarinas and coconut palms. Gentle sea breezes waft through the vaulted ceilings of the open-air lobby. The resort’s neo-colonial style incorporates variations on traditional Thai motifs with the bright, airy rooms defined by native wood tiles and decorated with ceramics, antique carvings and textiles.

Whatever room you choose, whether it’s the deluxe sea view room, the Club room, or the Princess Suite, which has an extended patio and overlooks the sparkling Andaman sea, Dusit Thani’s classic traditions and service give their clients the best lifestyle for their holiday needs.

PAL offers budget rates of US$118++ to Bangkok, but booking has to be done by March 31. To fly to Phuket or another destination, one has to book with a Thai domestic carrier. Thai Airways offers a “Thailand Double Happiness” promo to Bangkok plus another domestic destination in Thailand. Rate is US$215 plus taxes. Promo ends April 30.

View previous articles of this column.

Mango picking & nature tripping in Batangas

(The Philippine Star) Updated April 04, 2009 12:00 AM

Villa Crisanta Garden Resort is a rustic, well-appointed resort in Rosario, Batangas. Located on a farm estate, it has mango orchards, pools, gardens, spa, reception and party venues. Cabanas are scattered all around where guests can relax and watch the sun set.

MANILA, Philippines - City dwellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to venues for wedding receptions, large gatherings or company activities.

However, some are now seeking a change from the air-conditioned comforts of these locations, preferring the charms offered by open-air settings. The reasons are obvious. Barring inclement weather, garden venues have a more natural ambience — fresh air, natural lighting, and a relaxed setting.

Those who prefer something rustic and yet blessed with the amenities of the city can hie off to Villa Crisanta Garden Resort in Rosario, Batangas.

Villa Crisanta Garden Resort is on a family-owned farm estate with orchards of mango and papaya trees. The family transformed part of the farm into a garden resort to give their guests an opportunity to take pleasure in the bounties of nature as they have enjoyed it here for many generations.

Travelers to Rosario, Batangas, will surely appreciate the resort’s pastoral setting. The two-hour drive from Manila via the Star Tollway is a breeze, with views that are free of billboards.

Villa Crisanta is not just known for its pools and resort facilities. It is also becoming quite popular for wedding receptions since it is just a few minutes away from the church in Rosario town or from the Lipa Cathedral. Some have even taken their vows at the resort’s gardens.

Villa Crisanta has three garden venues and an indoor pavilion. The Poolside Garden, which can easily accommodate up to 300 guests, is perfect for parties and outings. There are three pools to choose from, including a kiddie and a lap pool for adults, as well as huts where guests can dine and take a break from the activities.

The Garden by the Pond is an idyllic location for garden weddings and receptions, and private parties. Located near the resort’s spa, it can accommodate 150 to 300 guests. A lotus pond is an added touch to the spot, while a quaint bridgeway will serve as a perfect backdrop to many picture-pretty photographs.

The Cabana Garden, which is just a few steps away from pool area, can make room for up to 150 guests. There are also cabanas, where guests can relax.

Those seeking a more intimate venue for their events can choose the Gazebo, which is tucked away inside the property. It is spacious enough to accommodate up to 50 guests in a roofed venue that is perfect for small receptions, parties or company meetings. The swimming pool by the gazebo is an added treat for those planning a casual affair.

The Pavilion at the main house is large enough to fit in up to 500 guests. The main house has an opulent façade, while an intricate Balinese carved door frames the main entrance. The pavilion opens up to garden settings at the side, which can accommodate more guests. Guests have a choice of using the Pavilion al fresco. By leaving the doors open, fresh natural air will cool this huge space. The venue also has air-conditioning units for balmy days.

Connected to the Pavilion is the formal dining hall, which can seat up to 24 guests. The venue is perfect for company meetings and seminars. A fully equipped kitchen at the back is available for the use of guests.

Villa Crisanta also has a main house and a number of casitas and cottages. All rooms are fully furnished, air-conditioned, and come with TV sets, mini-refs, and private baths and toilets.

Kids can go horseback riding at the stables or go around the property with guides. They can also explore the gardens and learn about the different plants and flowers on the property.

When it’s time to harvest the estate’s mango trees, guests can go mango picking for a fee.

There are a number of recreation amenities to keep everyone busy. There is a billiard table, videoke machine, a trampoline, and swimming pools within the resort.

Villa Crisanta has also partnered with Orange Home Spa. The Manila-based home spa service offers a variety of treatments including anti-aging services, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, Shiatsu, couple’s sensual, arthritic, post-chemo, hypertensive, infant, postnatal with lactation, prenatal, Hawaiian lomi-lomi, deep tissue, and Swedish massages.

The spa has separate facilities for male and female guests, and a separate area for reflexology services. Spa services are available all day long, although prior reservation is required.

For inquiries, visit villacrisanta.com.

Hop on the Bunny Easy Chair to relax

(The Philippine Star) Updated May 30, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Nothing beats a relaxing spa treatment after a hard day’s work, but sometimes a soothing massage takes too much time and can be a little expensive.

Now comes Home Suite’s Bunny Easy Chair to enjoy a hassle-free treatment at home. The chair, which has been on the market for almost a decade, boasts comfortable, soft-padded upholstery, a durable powder-coated metal tube frame, and headrest foam pillow. The chair is easy to unfold and store afterwards.

The Bunny Easy Chair is the preferred chair of spa providers and is perfect for a foot spa or back massage. Available at leading department stores nationwide. For inquiries, visit www.clcmv.com.ph.