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For home buyers who are considering the village or subdivision option, it is very important to consider the following:
1. The Reputation and Track Record of the Developer
In all transactions that involve a huge outlay of money like purchasing a house, it is the safest option to transact only with companies that have established their names in the industry. A good name is almost always equivalent to quality products. It has also been proven that the more established a company is, the more willing it is to swiftly address any concern that may arise from the transaction. An established company has more to lose in bad publicity or widespread complaints than a run-of-the-mill company.
2. The Location
We would notice that the newer housing developments of today emphasize the building of a community. However, some developers tend to concentrate only on the inner community and do not pay much attention to the outside. Schools, offices, churches, hospitals, markets, and commercial establishments should be accessible from the chosen house location if it is not possible to very near them. A real community includes the surrounding areas because they will always be part of the daily ingress and exit of residents to their homes.
3. The Facilities
Roads, water, and electricity are the most basic facilities to look out for. With the active competition between village and subdivision developers, other facilities such as the clubhouse, basketball courts, and swimming pools are more or less becoming part of the basic amenities to be expected. This is being done in an effort to make living more enjoyable and convenient.
4. The Security
Security involves not only having security guards stationed at the entrance but also in the physical layout of the village. Serious consideration should have been given to safety from natural disasters or man-made issues such as theft. The perimeter walls and gates are expected to protect the residents within a reasonable level.
5. The Services
There are services that will have to be in place immediately no matter how new the village is such as garbage collection and transportation. All the rest can come later as they are addressed one by one by respective homeowners' associations. Of course, security services should be in place from the very start.
My Say
I have to admit that I have always been partial to Ayala Properties ever since our family had the chance to live in one in Alabang. The nineteen years of our stay there established my personal standard for what a good home and community should be. Mind you, I am not even referring to their premier developments but rather to their low cost housing developments. Contrary to common belief, they do have projects within reasonable price range. Why deny yourself and your family the chance to live in a real community when you can afford to do so? The first home is usually a sentimental investment because this is where dreams are formed and achieved.
That said, it pays to study the options carefully before making the very big decision of buying your first house.
