EXTENDED until Monday, December 11, 2017!

Due to numerous requests, I will be having a book bundle promo for some of my books once more. These books are great Christmas presents to the important people in your life. The gift of of financial education is perhaps one of the best gifts to give.

Bundle 1 

No Nonsense Personal Finance + Build Your Future Today + Everyday Moneyfesto at only P 1,200.00! Save P 300.00

Bundle 2

No Nonsense Personal Finance + Build Your Future Today at only P 800.00 Save P200.00

Bundle 3

5 Everyday Moneyfesto books (new compact edition) at P1,000.00 only! Save P500.00

Bundle 4

3 Build Your Future Today at P 1,000.00 only! Save P500

This promo will end on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Shipping is free for Metro Manila orders, for provincial orders please add P100.00

Here’s how you can order:

1. Deposit or transfer the payment to BDO 006440069496 or BPI 0249111309 under John Randell Tiongson.
2. Send a picture of the deposit slip or transaction advice to michael@randelltiongson.com with your complete address and contact number.
3. Expect the books in a few days!

Hurry, this is a very limited offer!

Some thoughts to ponder on…

Most of us are not financially prepared for their future. Studies show that as many as 90 percent of us are not on track to be able to comfortably retire. Too many people have bought into the lie that one day when we have more money we can start planning for the future. That kind of thinking is what ensures retirement never comes.

Setting aside P5,000 one time won’t change your financial future. However, setting aside a little bit of money consistently over a long period of time will build great rewards for the future. There’s no amount too small to start saving and no better time than now. You may not be a millionaire, successful businessman or stock broker, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start saving. Daily diligence with what you have can lead to long-term benefit.

Jesus has an incredible future planned for us, and when we save what we’ve been given, we free ourselves to act on what God wants to bring us in the future.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11, ESV

Every great investment starts with a great deal. Investors looking to start their real estate portfolio or even a bachelor planning to buy his first condominium unit must learn how to spot a great deal to make sure that their hard-earned money will turn into a valuable investment.

Here are some tips to remember if you want to spot a good real estate deal.

It’s a numbers game.

According to real estate blogger Brandon Turner, property hunters have to understand that snapping up good deals is largely a numbers game. You have to check out tons of listings in a specific area and narrow the leads down according to your preference.

For instance, if you are looking for a good deal in Mandaluyong, try to determine your own pre-qualifications. Should the property be near major throughways? Should it be below PHP 2 million? Should you consider foreclosed properties?

Once you have narrowed your choices, you have to analyze the value of the properties. Which among them do you think would appreciate in a reasonable amount of time and for what reasons?

Location, location, location!

Getting a good real estate deal all boils down to the location of the property. This does not necessarily mean that it should be at the heart of a business district or even along its peripheries. After all, location is also about connectivity and accessibility.

The key is to identify areas where it is easy to travel to and from major places of interest. For example, if you want a property that is accessible from Metro Manila, then you should consider scouring nearby provinces where costs are lower and there are plenty of options.

Always check out deals in these lower-priced markets as they possess potential returns especially when space demands in city centers become too saturated, pushing home seekers to look for alternative locations.

Why it’s wise to invest in foreclosed properties

Great deals may sometimes come in unexpected forms—in this case, in foreclosed properties. According to MyProperty.ph, a foreclosed property is a good money-saving option for its below-market-value price. The reason foreclosed properties have relatively low selling price is that banks are often swift in disposing these assets. You can expect them, therefore, to offer surprising discounts.

There are a few things you need to consider, however, as not all foreclosures are worth the money. First, inspect the condition of the property. Does it need a lot of repairs? Where is it located? Can you flip the property to make it marketable again? Additionally, you also have to know the terms in which the bank would sell the said property.

Try searching social media for leads.

Most people are now on Facebook, so it is easier to connect to potential property buyers. Indeed, some of the greatest deals can already be found via social media. You may not land the perfect deal at first try, but posts by individuals looking to sell their properties or marketing campaigns of real estate listing services would definitely give you an idea where to look further.

Consult listing sites.

There are a lot of listing sites out there that let sellers connect easily to potential property buyers. MyProperty.ph and Lamudi.ph are some of these listing sites that provide property owners with a platform where they can reach their prospective buyers.

Since these listing sites have their own gatekeeping system, the deals posted on the platform are all legitimate. It is a matter now of analyzing the merits and risks of acquiring a particular property viewed on the platform.

Should properties be at their prime condition?

It was already mentioned that when looking for foreclosed properties, the quality of the asset must be checked. In some cases, you might find diamonds in the rough that just need a little bit of flipping to turn into a true gem.

However, there are still considerations to ponder on such as location, accessibility, and price tag. If the slightly debilitated property is in a major city, check if it has an attractive neighborhood. You should also make an effort to see if the location is easily accessible. Regarding the price tag, you would have to discuss with the seller and bargain if you must.

Early birds get the best deals.

If you spot a listing you believe has potential, you better grab it quickly before the demand swells together with the selling price. More often than not, the one who calls and locks in the property first gets the ideal price.

In times when the seller already entertains multiple buyers, you should still act fast. Your offer must meet or even exceed the seller’s expectation of the value of the property for you to emerge victorious.

Do your research.

To land a great deal, it pays to do your assignment. Before looking through listing sites, you have to do your part and get to know the market in general. Learn as much as you can about the current trends and make yourself well-versed with the concepts that surround the market.

Finding a great deal is not a talent—it is just a combination of the knowledge you have of the market, the practical mindset, and the creativity and ability to see things in another perspective.

CEBU friends, it’s time to future-proof your future!

Join me and Mr. Stock Smarts Marvin Germo on Saturday, October 28, 2017 for a financially empowering seminar at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall from 1 to 5 p.m.

Topic 1: Future Proof Your Finance & Investments

Topic 2: Stock Market Investing Made Easy

Learning fee for this event is only P800.00 but slots are limited so you will need to secure your slot soon.

Here’s how you can join this event:

1. Deposit P800.00 (per person) to BPI 0249-1113-09 or BDO 006440069496 (John Randell Tiongson).
2. Get a screen shot of your deposit slip or transfer advice and email to michael@randelltiongson.com
3. You can claim your ticket at the entrance of the event on the event date.

See you in CEBU!