by Doah Sto. Tomas | Jun 24, 2021

After the harsh onslaught of the pandemic, many people thought that the real estate industry would eventually go down the drain. And why not? Real estate selling starts with handing out of glossy flyers to people in crowded places like malls and thrives on actual visits around and out of town. Unfortunately, all these were prohibited during the lockdown and caused somewhat of an economic turmoil and frustration not only in real estate, but in the realm of most businesses around the world.
A NEW MARKETPLACE
Fortunately, there was social media and digital ads. Digitalization made it possible for real estate to operate on the web. It did take some time before the industry could adjust to the new normal. The digital transition was not easy, but doable, anyway. After all, houses and living spaces are a necessity even during the time of the pandemic. A little more than a year after the pandemic began, most real estate companies shifted from the usual interpersonal communication to the digital marketplace. And what made this work was keeping the clients constantly informed and updated with what’s going on.
A ONE-STOP LOCATION
In terms of updated services, real estate developments became more comprehensive and holistic in terms of what they offer. Buildings have now combined residential, office, and commercial spaces, with the idea of safety and not just convenience. The idea is that the less people leave the vicinity of the safety zone, the less chances of transmitting the virus and putting neighbors in danger. Apparently, this idea is something that has not been thought of before the pandemic. But now, it has become a selling point for developers.
CONTACTLESS SOFTWARES
No one wants to touch anything nowadays because pathogens stay on surfaces for days and these have elicited fear among people. So as a solution, most condominium projects now have smart home features like using QR Codes which allows dwellers to move around without having to constantly touch objects and transmit the disease to others. It does not really come off as costly, considering the safety and security that it offers. We cannot stress it enough, that an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.
SOCIAL DISTANCE
The real estate industry identified a novel factor that now drives buyers to purchase properties: vast space. With the new normal health protocol, people wanted to move out of congested areas because they feared COVID-19. In effect, more and more potential buyers inquired about properties situated outside the metro. Preferences were Laguna, Cavite, and Pampanga. These are provinces not too far from the capital region. Even Iloilo and Cebu were choice areas in the South for those who wanted to relocate or simply buy. And because of the remote working conditions, most professionals were not deterred by the distance. Still, safety was the primary consideration.
THE RAY OF LIGHT
The industry recovery in the first quarter of 2021 promises a brighter future in world of real estate. For one, the demographics of buyers are now younger, coming from the 20–30-year-old brackets. The health sector’s continuous push for physical distancing has encouraged a lot of people to go solo as much as they can, if that is the best way to save themselves from the perils of the pandemic.
The vaccines are here, and hopefully, as soon as we reach the point of herd immunity, there will be another shift in the industry. The economy will adjust to a now normal and people will have access to bank loans, making it possible for them to buy properties again. Thus, the real estate industry will surely see better days ahead.
by Doah Sto. Tomas | May 22, 2021

Hail to the King!
Congratulations! REBAP Global City Chapter candidate CRB Donald Montellano for bagging the Mr REBAP 2021 title in the recently concluded REBAP HOT Summer Jam event, held on May 15, 2021 via Zoom.
Your REBAP Global City family appreciates your commitment and dedication to our organization.
Thank you for donating your monetary prize, for our Corporate Social Responsibility’s cause.
Again.. HAIL to the King!!!!
by Doah Sto. Tomas | May 22, 2021

CRB MARISOL de los REYES
REGISTERED AND Licensed REB
“Marisol” as what mostly called her, is our featured CRB for this month. She is an active Real Estate practitioner and despite of her work engagements; she still spares a space for REBAP Global City to occupy her busy schedule.
Marisol de los Reyes acquired her PRC license as Real Estate Broker in 2011 and after two years became a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser. Aside from her academic achievement in the field of Real Estate Practice, she is also a Bachelor and candidate for Master’s Degree in Psychology.
She is currently the Branch Director of DRIVEN Marketing Group Inc. In her dedication as an officer and member of REBAP Global City, she had occupied positions with the organization as Chapter Adviser, VP Internal Affairs, VP External Affairs, Chairperson for Education and Skills Committee and was the Chapter President for the year 2019.
From the positions she had withheld with REBAP Global City, it is evident that she had passionately devoted her time, service, and resources to the organization. It is with delight to introduce a person like Marisol, and she will always be an asset to the chapter.
Fellow CRB’s let us all welcome Marisol de los Reyes.
by Doah Sto. Tomas | May 20, 2021

Be a Member of REBAP Academy
REBAP National is inviting all CRBs interested in teaching and sharing their knowledge with our fellow CRBs. In return, REBAP National will be providing the avenue for our CRBs to hone their skills in speaking and presenting their specialization.
All applicants will be under the TLC (Trainer, Lecturers, and Consultants) Group while under training. Once eligible to become a PRC Accredited Speaker, REBAP National will be assisting with the member’s application to PRC. Once approved as an accredited CPD Speaker, s/he will be upgraded to be part of the RAS (REBAP Accredited Speakers) Group.

Inviting all CRBs to join us on the first Webinar of the REBAP Academy Webinar Series for 2021 entitled Real Estate Project Development of a Three-Unit 4 Story Residential Townhouse Project.
May 21, 2021 Topics:
Topic 1: Conceptualizing Three-Unit 4 Story Residential Townhouse Build & Sell Project By: CRB MARGARET D. GAW | REBAP Quezon City
Topic 2: Plotting, Site Verification, and Zoning Restrictions By: CRB PONCIANO “JUN” G. VALDEZ, JR. | REBAP Baguio Benguet
This is FREE to all Certified REBAP Brokers. Register now through the link below
