Why this IT professional formerly based in Singapore and the US opts for real estate investments over stocks

Red Paredes, an engineer by education, started investing in stocks and bonds in the ’90s, but he soon realized that these investments are riskier than the others, especially in an unstable economy. It took a while, but, years later, he finally decided to invest in real estate properties. 

“Stocks can go up or down,” he says. “It’s under the control of the market, so it is beyond your control. But with real estate, it usually goes up, as long as the properties are the correct properties. It’s a good investment, and there are no swings. Now, especially, is the best time to invest in real estate because unlike other form of investments, where we don’t know which direction it would go, for real estate, either the value will still be the same, but more likely, it will go up, especially if the location and the property is right.” 

Years ago, Red practiced his profession, then shifted into Information Technology and lived in Singapore and the US. When he came back to the Philippines, he started a small business. That’s when he decided to purchase real estate properties, so he could have his own office. The perks of owning such properties—like paying for investment instead of paying for rent—outweighed the challenges, so much so that he decided to get another property, this time for his and his family’s personal use. 

Around 2017, he started scouting around for pre-selling properties, specifically at the Bonifacio Global City area because he thought the place was blooming. However, the prices of real estate in the location got too high for his liking. 

Fortunately, he came across a property by DMCI Homes called the Mulberry Place, an Asian-Tropical development inside the quiet and flourishing Acacia Estates in Taguig City.

“When I first saw it, I was surprised that there’s such a community,” he recalls. “I didn't even know about it. I thought that it was a secret in Manila. I liked the concept of having a development project within a greater development project. The moment I drove through the gate, and I saw the tree lining the streets, that really made my heart jump. When I parked at Savemore grocery store, that made me even happier because for the first time in the city, I'm parking under a tree, not in a parking building, not under a tin roof.” 

What impresses him most, he says, apart from the amenities, is that while the surrounding projects have different themes, they are “unified” and blend seamlessly together. Plus, he found out that it is value for money, especially when he started comparing the prices of the surrounding establishments. 

As someone with a background in engineering, Red knows he made the right call to invest with DMCI Homes. “I’ve known DMCI since the ’80s,” he says. “I knew it was solid that time, but I knew it was this engineering company, construction company. I wasn’t really completely aware that DMCI was already selling properties directly to customers. When I saw the actual projects that were being completed, I was sold. I got to go into Royal Palm and Verawood Residences, and I knew that those are well-executed.” 

For those who want to invest in a real estate property, Red has this to share: “The important thing to look for is the developer. Look at what they have done already, especially their latest projects. Look at how many projects they have done, and even look at their old properties—how they stand out. See the value of those properties when they were launched and compare that to their value now to give you an idea if your investment will go up. Aside from that, check the price to see if it is reasonable, and the terms are very important. Check if the terms are affordable and if you can shoulder the costs with your available resources.”

The good news for prospective homeowners is that Mulberry Place is currently in its second phase, offering more pre-selling units and investment opportunities. So, don't miss your chance to invest now!

Mulberry Place is one of the developments of DMCI Homes, renowned 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 Mulberry Place 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 leasing.dmcihomes.com to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs 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.