This former OFW grows her savings through property investing

Candelaria and her daughter, Caress.

Candelaria Herrera has built a real estate investment portfolio over the years with her earnings as a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates.

She already acquired a small land in Pampanga and an apartment building in Ortigas Center, Pasig, which she leases.

Even in the middle of the pandemic, Candelaria continued to invest in real estate knowing its long-term benefits.

Her latest investment? A one-bedroom unit at DMCI Homes’ pre-selling condominium, Satori Residences, along F. Pasco Avenue, Santolan, Pasig City.

Why invest in the middle of the pandemic?

Candelaria came home to the Philippines as a balikbayan in 2020. Although she’d be leaving the country again soon, she plans to come back home and stay in the country for at least two months in a year – one of the primary reasons she and her partner considered in purchasing a condominium property. 

Another motivation that pushed her to invest in another property is the opportunity to grow her savings even during a pandemic.

“We know that we need to invest now because the money that we have saved is just lying around in the bank and there’s no benefit to that,” Candelaria says. “So why not invest something na mag-a-appreciate ’yong value ng money namin?” 

Her daughter, Caress Wong, who helped her out in investing at Satori Residences seconds her mother’s opinion: “Real estate kasi, it’s not volatile. Hindi siya risky. You always know that the value would appreciate.”

Satori Residences offers great value for discerning homebuyers especially for those who are looking for a wide array of amenities for the whole family. (Artist’s illustration of the amenity core)

Choosing the right property

Their first consideration when they were searching for a property was the price, and next is the location. It was important to the family to have a place that was easily accessible and close to public transportation.

Caress candidly reveals, “I think we only checked the properties by DMCI Homes: Brixton Place, Prisma Residences, and Satori Residences. The decision to buy Satori Residences was considered based on the budget that my mom has and also the location. That’s why we made the decision to purchase a unit in Satori. We only looked for developments made by DMCI. ’Yon ’yong non-negotiable.” 

And where did that conviction come from?

“Well known kasi ang DMCI Homes,” Caress says. “And I have friends who have units, who are living currently in DMCI condos. And I saw how nice the units are. The amenities din talaga. I think that’s it.” She adds, “It’s more of the experience because I was able to see.” 

The balcony does it

The family checked out the places online first, through DMCI Homes’ website. Then, they visited the showroom of Satori Residences, which showcased a two-bedroom unit. And they loved what they experienced. 

“Gusto ko ’yong layout,” Candelaria says. “And siyempre I want to see the view outside, I want to relax. Kung may chance na lalagyan ng table, maliit na chair, puwede, just to see what’s outside, kahit na nasa bahay ka.”

Caress interjects, “Saan ka makakita ng one-bedroom na may balcony? ’Yong mom ko she likes the outdoors, dapat may hangin.” She adds that the layout of the whole building didn’t make them feel suffocated. 

“’Yong structure mismo, its open,” Caress adds. “You wouldn’t find that in other condominiums. ’Yong pagpasok mo, ’yong hallways its open, di ba? It’s open air, alam mong may hanging pumapasok. Typically, sa ibang condo, closed, parang nasa loob ka, parang hotel. This one, when you get out of your main door, parang may balcony ka rin.”

It also helped a lot, they both say, that the agent they talked to was extremely helpful and accommodating: “He didn’t give us a hard time, and he’s very pro-active.” 

Residents will surely enjoy roaming around the expansive amenity area which makes up 70 percent of the almost 3-hectare land area. Satori Residences has a full line of rest and recreational amenities and community facilities such as lounge area, pool complex, landscaped atriums, and jogging path. (Artist’s illustration of the jogging path)

‘You really feel that it’s safe inside’

“I think the advantage would be the amenities, as well,” Caress says. “And the space because based on my experience, ang DMCI Homes lang ang may mga playground, malaking pool. Resort-type talaga. You have some spaces to walk. For example kung may anak ka, you would know that he or she is safe playing around the area or community. That’s one of the main advantages compared to other developers.” 

Candelaria and Caress currently live in a unit made by another developer. But they can’t wait to move in to their newly purchased condo unit by DMCI Homes. 

“The place is peaceful,” Caress says, adding, “You really feel that it’s safe inside.” 

Satori Residences is one of the developments of DMCI Homes, the country’s first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio City, Boracay, and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s over 60 years of expertise in the construction and development industry.

To learn more about Satori Residences and other DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, call (632) 5324-8888. You can also visit DMCI Leasing Services to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own (Home Ready™) of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook X, Instagram, and YouTube.