Category: Blog

FEATURED BROKER of the Month! ❤️💚💙

CRB Antonio Luigi D. Piccio

May is the beginning of spring; the season of regrowth and flowers, thus our featured broker today for May was born on May 13. What a coincidence with this Taurus guy who is realistic, creative, and responsible.

He took his basic education at Don Bosco Technical Institute and earned his BS in Nursing from Centro Escolar University in 2011.

As a Taurian, characterizes by perseverance and stubbornness, he worked as a property specialist in one of the country’s leading real estate developers, the Avida Land Corporation in July 2011.

He symbolizes the practical Taurian, thus he took the Real Estate Broker examination for regrowth and successfully passed it on July 2015.

Equipped with practicality, he found his comfort zone when he felt that the job of a property specialist was closer to his heart. He focused on Makati and BGC and also sold projects in other areas, like Arca South, Pasay, Bulacan, Alabang, Manila, and Nuvali.

He left Avida Land Corporation in 2020 and become an independent real estate broker for multiple developers, that includes Megaworld, DMCI, Avida Land, SMDC, and Empire East. He also sold some leased-out properties in Makati, BGC, McKinley Hill, and Arca South. His efforts yielded good results because, in 2021, he was awarded as the Top 1 Independent Real Estate Broker of 2021 with Avida Land.

Friends, ladies, and gentlemen, please welcome CRB ANTONIO LUIGI P. PICCIO, a courageous and passionate real estate broker who is the REBAP Global City Chapter’s candidate for Mr. REBAP 2023.

#REBAPGlobalCitySignificantlyExcellent
#SynergyisPower
#ONEREBAP
#EmpoweredREBAP

EATURED BROKER of the Month! ❤️💚💙

CRB GODOFREDO BAJA JR.

March and April are consecutive months, but April is no joke month because our featured broker today is a true Real Estate Broker. In fact, he is a March 31st man, an Aries, who is extremely persevering as a ram. Although he enjoys having fun, he still makes time for work since he views it as being crucial to his life.
He earned a BS in Computer Engineering from Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in 1998.
He began his career as a Computer Engineer working at Acer Computer in Subic, the Philippines, for three years (1998-2001) as a Junior PCB Design Engineer. Then, he rose into a Senior PCB Design Engineer at Wistron Corporation for four years (2001–2005) in Taiwan, at Jabil Circuits for two and a half years (2006–2008), and at Cisco Systems for eleven years (2008 – 2019), all of which were based in Shanghai, China.
Symbolizing the traditional, aggressive ram, he was triggered by his work in SMDC, a real estate developer as an International Account Manager from 2020 to 2021. As a result, he obtained a second degree in 2022 from Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City as a Dean Lister in Real Estate Management and became a Real Estate Broker when he passed the PRC Examination in 2021. Just recently, on March 6, 2023, he is connected with Ayala Land Premier, as Property Specialist.
Friends, ladies, and gentlemen, please welcome CRB GODOFREDO P. BAJA Jr., a courageous and passionate real estate broker.

Thriving Amidst Technological Changes: Tips for Real Estate Brokers with Limited Digital Proficiency

Technological advancements have significantly transformed the real estate industry over the last decade. With the proliferation of online platforms, digital tools, and communication technologies, the way real estate brokers interact with their clients and market properties has undergone significant changes.

For brokers with limited digital proficiency, these changes can be overwhelming and challenging to keep up with. However, with the right mindset and a willingness to learn, it’s possible to thrive amidst technological changes in the real estate industry. Here are some tips for real estate brokers with limited digital proficiency to help them stay competitive in the market:

Invest in education and training
The first step towards thriving amidst technological changes is to invest in education and training. With the vast array of digital tools and technologies available, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. Attend seminars, webinars, free online tutorials and workshops to gain valuable insights into the latest technologies and strategies that can help you better serve your clients and market your properties more effectively.

Collaborate with tech-savvy colleagues
One of the most effective ways to overcome digital proficiency challenges is to collaborate with colleagues who have strong digital skills. By partnering with tech-savvy colleagues, you can learn from their experiences, leverage their skills, and gain new perspectives that can help you grow in your career.

Use social media to your advantage
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter offer real estate brokers an excellent opportunity to showcase their listings, build relationships with potential clients, and grow their network. However, to effectively leverage social media, you need to understand how to use it. Take the time to learn about social media marketing strategies, including creating engaging content, using hashtags, and engaging with your audience.

Utilize online listing platforms
Online listing platforms such as, REBAP MLS ( Multiple Listing System), dotProperty, Carousell and Lamudi offer real estate brokers an effective way to market their listings to a wider audience. By listing your properties on these platforms, you can reach potential clients who are actively searching for homes in your area. Be sure to optimize your listings with high-quality photos, videos, and detailed descriptions to stand out from the competition.

Embrace automation and digital tools
Automation and digital tools can help real estate brokers save time, streamline their processes, and enhance the customer experience. By embracing technologies such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and learning to create virtual tours, you can enhance your clients’ experience and increase your efficiency.

In summary, technological changes have significantly transformed the real estate industry, and brokers must keep up with the latest trends to stay competitive. By investing in education and training, collaborating with tech-savvy colleagues, using social media to your advantage, utilizing online listing platforms, and embracing automation and digital tools, real estate brokers can thrive amidst technological changes and better serve their clients.

The real estate industry is no stranger to innovation, and over the years, technology has played a key role in driving its growth and evolution. With the rise of digital tools and platforms, real estate professionals are finding new ways to streamline their operations, enhance customer experience, and stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which technology is transforming the real estate industry and its impact on stakeholders.

Marketing and Advertising

One of the most significant changes in the real estate industry is the shift towards digital marketing and advertising. With the advent of social media and online listing platforms, agents and brokers can now reach a wider audience and promote their properties with greater ease. Platforms like lamudi and dotProperty provide users with detailed property listings, and other features to help them find their dream home. Additionally, real estate professionals are leveraging social media to create engaging content, share listings, and connect with potential buyers and sellers.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are changing the way buyers and sellers interact with properties. VR allows buyers to take virtual tours of properties without having to physically visit them. They can explore different rooms, layouts, and features from the comfort of their own homes. AR, on the other hand, lets buyers visualize how a property would look with different furnishings, decor, or color schemes. These tools provide a more immersive and interactive experience for buyers, enabling them to make more informed decisions.

Smart Homes and the Internet of Things

Smart home technology is rapidly gaining popularity among homeowners, and for good reason. With the Internet of Things (IoT), homeowners can control and automate various aspects of their homes, from lighting to security and appliances. This technology not only makes homes more convenient and comfortable, but it can also increase their resale value. In addition, smart home technology can provide valuable data for real estate agents and brokers, such as usage patterns and energy consumption.

Online Payment Gateway

An online payment gateway is an electronic payment system that facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers by securely transferring funds through various payment methods such as credit and debit cards, net banking, and e-wallets. It is an efficient and secure way of accepting payments online, and it has revolutionized the way people buy and sell properties.

One of the biggest advantages of using online payment gateways in real estate transactions is that it eliminates the need for physical cash transactions. Real estate deals involve large sums of money, and it can be risky to carry such large amounts in cash. With online payment gateways, buyers can make payments electronically, and sellers can receive payments directly into their bank accounts, ensuring complete security and peace of mind.

The role of technology in the real estate industry is growing rapidly, and stakeholders who embrace these innovations are likely to gain a competitive advantage. From digital marketing and virtual reality to smart homes and online payment gateway, the opportunities for transformation are endless. As technology continues to advance, it will be exciting to see what new tools and platforms emerge, and how they will shape the future of the real estate industry.

Beyond the Screen: How Real Estate sellers Can Successfully Make the Shift from Online to Face-to-Face Selling

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live and work, including the real estate industry. With social distancing and stay-at-home orders in place, real estate agents have had to adapt to online selling to continue their businesses. Virtual tours, video conferencing, and digital paperwork have become the new norm in the industry. However, as the world begins to open up, it is essential for agents to transition back to face-to-face selling. Here are some tips to help agents make the transition successfully.

Keep Your Online Presence Strong: Just because you’re transitioning back to face-to-face selling doesn’t mean that your online presence isn’t important. Many potential buyers still prefer to begin their home search online, so it’s crucial to keep your website and social media profiles up to date. Be sure to include high-quality photos, virtual tours, and detailed property descriptions to attract potential buyers.

Reconnect with Your Network: One of the benefits of face-to-face selling is the ability to network and connect with other professionals in the industry. Reach out to your existing network of contacts, including past clients, lenders, and other agents, to let them know you’re back to face-to-face selling. Consider hosting a networking event or attending industry conferences to meet new contacts and expand your network.

Stay Up to Date with Health Guidelines: While the world is opening up, it’s important to remember that the pandemic is not over. It’s crucial to stay up to date with local health guidelines and follow recommended safety protocols. This includes wearing masks, social distancing, and limiting the number of people during property showing and open houses.

Plan Your Showings Carefully: When transitioning back to face-to-face selling, it’s essential to plan your showings carefully. Consider the safety of your clients and yourself by limiting the number of people in the property at one time, avoiding physical contact, and offering hand sanitizer and masks. Schedule showings with ample time in between to allow for cleaning and ventilation of the property.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions: As buyers return to face-to-face selling, they may have questions about the transition from online selling. Be prepared to answer questions about the safety protocols you’re following, what to expect during showings, and how you’re adapting to the changing market.

The transition from online to face-to-face selling in the real estate industry may be challenging, but it’s essential for agents to stay ahead of the game. By keeping your online presence strong, reconnecting with your network, staying up to date with health guidelines, planning your showings carefully, and being prepared to answer questions, you can successfully make the transition. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to help clients find their dream homes in person once again.

CRB Christine Faye S. Figueras

For the month of love, we’re highlighting, a lovable real estate broker. She graduated from New Era University with a degree in psychology in 2005 and has taken units in the master’s program at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila between 2007 and 2009.

She was first trained as a business system analyst at BDO Unibank from 2008 to 2013 in a stressful, if not toxic work environment. This pushed her to pursue the life of a real estate broker when she passed the licensure exam. She was encouraged to pursue a career in real estate by her mother, a real estate broker with REBAP Global City. Her husband supported her in choosing that course of action as well. She started as a real estate agent under DMCI In-house sales from 2013 to 2014. Although her job in real estate wasn’t always easy, with bumpy roads, her mother acted as her mentor to develop the necessary knowledge and abilities in real estate. Her prior experience in the banking sector also aided her in performing a variety of jobs and providing her clients with acceptable service.  This pushed her to pursue the life of a real estate broker when she passed the licensure.

CRB Christine Jaye S. Figueras struggles as a real estate broker have paid off since she loved the life of being financially independent, going on holidays, spending time with her family, shopping, socializing, and attending events. She enjoyed earning, spending more time with her family, and interacting with clients. As a result, she become a professional real estate broker and self-employed in 2015.

January is the month of all beginnings in a year. Its primacy is for making decisions for the whole year of abundance. The primacy of abundance is the love of God first according to our featured broker who is a graduate of BS Business Administration major in Business Management from La Consolacion College of Manila.

She is an accredited marketer of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) since 2008 and served as a trustee of the board of Accredited Marketer’s Association, Inc. of PRAor PRAAMAI from 2008 to 2012.

She never planned to be a broker. It was her former Japanese Sacho (boss) who pushed and supported her to attend Real Estate Seminar. She passed the Real Estate Professional Examination in 2014.
Her other current corporate functions are Director and Corporate Secretary, Zipang Property Management, Inc.; Director, Let’s Light Up, Inc.; and Corporate Secretary, Asahi Asia Construction, Inc.

As a true-bloodied manager, she founded her own company, the Philsworld Documentation Services in 2010. The company is doing documentation support and advice on living, investing and conducting business in the Philippines to both foreign expats and locals.

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet CRB Maria Lourdes Gonzales Santos, a mother and a workaholic broker.

CRB KAREN ORIBIANA RIVERA

September is a symbol of the strength of character, marriage, and family, thus this month’s featured Real Estate Broker is a woman who is happily married with three children.  The Greek playwright Euripides made a variety of references to women’s strength in his famous work on the Trojan Women.

As such, CRB Karen Oribiana Rivera is a true-blooded woman born in the year of the Dragon, who is gifted with innate courage, tenacity, and intelligence. She started her career in real estate in 2007 as a property consultant in Camella Homes, one of the country’s finest. In that same year, she passed the Real Estate Brokers licensure examination and subsequently became a REBAP member in 2008. From 2007 to 2010, she became a sales manager of CDC Holdings. A year later when she left CDC, she established an independent brokerage. Truly, she is a woman who is not afraid of challenges and is always willing to take risks.

As an epitome of a woman in Euripides’ essay, she remains enthusiastic and confident as a professional broker who is engaged in an array of specializations, such as titling transfer; project, condominium, and memorial lots selling; re-subdividing property; and loan assistance.

With these, her name has been attached to the following housing companies, such as; Camella Homes, DMCI, CDC Holdings, Mololex, Masaito, Antel Addas Group, Earth & Style, Exceed Realty, Carissa Homes, Balikatan, and Homemark.

Strong will, passion, perseverance, and selflessness made her the Best Chapter Member of REBAP Global City.

CRB RAISSA MADLANGBAYAN

August can never be a ghost month, because for a woman, every month, every day, every hour is a precious time for perseverance and hard work. Thus, our featured broker for August is a woman with a virtue of positivity, born at the right time and place.

My dear colleagues in the industry, please meet CRB Raissa R. Madlangbayan, an achieving woman with two distinct assets: chivalrous and gallant, being born in the Year of the Pig, and loyal and determined, being a true Capricornian. The chemistry of these virtues, which at a young age in her late 30s, made her the co-founder of the RMS Realty Inc. in November 2021, with a present address in Penthouse 2, VGP Center, Ayala Avenue Makati.

She had become the person she is now because of the character and values developed and nurtured in her during her education at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila with the BS Psychology course.

She took advantage of various opportunities with rich imagination and sharp observations about people, especially those related to business. She began by opening a family business from 2005 to 2007, and then from 2007 to 2009, she worked as a BPO Customer Service Outbound Representative for Xcelerate Center Inc. and Sutherland. She used this as her experience and stepping stone to becoming a Property Specialist with SM Investments Corporation, Hamilo Coast–Pico De Loro, and Tagaytay Highlands (2009–2010), then with Robinsons Land Corporation (2010–2013) selling condominium units.

Armed with knowledge and skills related to real estate properties, propped up with determination, in 2013, she attended classes at the Urban Institute of Real Estate and successfully passed the Real Estate Broker Examination the following year. She engaged in resale luxury properties in high-end villages, such as McKinley Hill Village, Bel Air Village, San Lorenzo Village, Urdaneta Village, Dasmarinas Village, Forbes Park Village, and Class A condominiums in Makati and BGC to name some. At the same time, she handled the leasing of ex-pat accounts, such as ADB and other multinational companies. Supported by her tenacity and license, she stands up to be a Freelance Real Estate Broker from 2014 to 2021.

With this strong momentum in her career as a registered real estate broker, she co-founded RMS Realty Inc. in November of last year, a general brokerage company specializing in real estate leasing, resale, and pre-selling.

Now that she is a manager of what she started, she is in charge of setting the company’s objectives and plans, overseeing the entire staff, and ensuring the overall accountability of the business to shareholders and the general public.