WHY I SPEAK UP REGARDING REAL ESTATE MATTERS

By Mark Ferry John A. Lamsen, 18 January 2025, 1:12 pm.

 

Those who know me for quite some time and those who will browse this website may ask me on why I have the courage and determination to speak up on matters related to my beloved industry, the real estate.

 

Well, aside form the fact that I’ve been in this industry for more than 22 years of my working life (ever since I graduated in college), one thing I am proud to say is that I am also a real estate INVESTOR!

 

Yes, after 13 years of saving up from salaries, commissions and professional fees that I have earned, I was able to invest in a 216 sqm lot with a 140 sqm bungalow house resembling old elegance of the 70s house design and structure, in a quiet suburban flood-free subdivision up north of Quezon City, costing millions from my pocket. And I am eyeing for its complete renovation into a 2-storey contemporary house that will last longer for my future grandchildren, or as an Airbnb house in the future (praying to God to allow me to save some more for that endeavor).

 

I was able to draw inspiration from the same buyers who were my clients, some of whom are first time investors like me. I have seen how they view the market, how they view their funds, how they view the location like a real buyer does, not just an agent or broker for them. That perspective opened up my eyes even more, and I can now see my clientele eye-to-eye on what they really want on their property investment. Since then, I was able to truly assist them in their investment process.

 

I encourage my co-brokers and co-practitioners to invest in your dream houses as well, having your names on the titles of your invested properties (and doing the title transfers yourselves). In this way, you can really feel and appreciate how it feels like to become real estate investors yourselves, and will help you view your own clients’ perspectives. Aside from having your own personal project, it will always be delightful to return to the home you can truly say your own.