Is now a good time to buy real estate?
Dear Nanay
The prices of stocks and real estate are going up and down because of the global crisis. I have enough money to make a down payment on a house and my family really wants to buy our own dream home. But we are afraid that the value of the property might go down and I will lose money. Our option is to just rent first and buy when the market recovers and is more stable. What should I do to make sure that my investment is safe and we will earn?
Jay
Dear Jay,
You have to first realize that, like most other investments, the prices of real estate will fluctuate. Although as a rule the prices will go up over a long period of time, you can never be sure what will happen if you are looking at a much shorter time frame, like one or two years. Walang sigurado. (Nothing is sure.) Puwedeng tumaas ang presyo at puwede rin bumaba. (Prices could go up or down.) So if you are planning to buy the property and intend to sell it in one or two years to make a profit, baka talaga mahirapan ka (that might be difficult).
However, if you are buying the property with the intention of living in it for a long time, then it might be as good a time as any to buy a house. If you can afford it, then I would say go for it. That will also be forced savings for you. Otherwise, you might just end up spending the money elsewhere.
As I mentioned, real estate still tends to be a fairly safe investment. It is unlikely that you will make a lot of money in a short period of time, but it is also unlikely that you will lose your investment over a long period of time. And for a lot of people, there is nothing like the security of owning the roof over their head.
Sincerely,
Nanay
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On Leaving Office Parties Early
Dear Nanay
My boss often likes to throw office parties to entertain our clients. I always feel that I have to go and I have to stay. But I always want to leave early because my home is in Cavite and it takes me over an hour to get there. How do I tell my boss I want to leave early?
Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
I think it depends on what your position is in the company and if you are needed at the party.
If you are something like the executive assistant of your boss and part of your job is to make sure that everything in the party goes smoothly, then pasensya ka kasi hindi ka talaga makakaalis (be patient because you really can’t leave). Or if the party is being thrown for the company’s clients and you are an account officer and your clients are at the party, then I don’t think you can leave, either.
However, if you are just at the party para lang magpakita (for appearance’s sake) and you don’t actually know any of the guests, then maybe you can stay for a while and then quietly leave. Perhaps you can talk to your boss and just explain your situation. I’m sure your boss will be reasonable and let you leave these parties early unless he really feels that your presence is needed.
Sincerely,
Nanay
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