THE PROPERTY GEEK

By JIREH V. MAMACLAY

Filipinos love to shop! Just look at our malls, which resemble popular fast-food chains in terms of popularity. These malls have become our go-to destinations for everything we need, from home appliances, furniture, to even the smallest household essentials. However, the rise of technology has introduced us to a fast-paced world where e-commerce has changed the way we shop. While traditional mall visits are still common, we've also embraced a culture of relying on product reviews to gauge quality when making purchases.

This shift in shopping habits extends to the real estate market as well. Thanks to technology, potential buyers now have easy access to detailed property information, locations, future prospects, and immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences. This digital transformation has opened doors for clients, especially those living abroad, to explore and invest in real estate properties from a distance.

In my experience, a staggering 80 percent of my clients this year are Filipinos residing overseas. You might wonder how they can make such substantial property investments without physically inspecting the sites. After all, we're not talking about small, replaceable items like those found on Shopee or Lazada; we're dealing with properties worth millions of pesos.

This is where "e-tripping" comes into play. In our realty company, we've developed a system that involves shooting raw, unedited videos of properties and sending them to our overseas clients. Our goal is to make the camera lens their eyes, allowing them to virtually visit the property as if they were physically present. 

This technique bridges the gap for clients who can't be here in the Philippines to inspect the properties in person. These videos offer an unfiltered, 100 percent natural view of the property, creating a genuine feel of the community's ambiance. Clients can make informed decisions and complete purchases without the need for a physical visit.

While this technique may not be entirely new, it's worth noting that many real estate professionals have yet to fully utilize video presentations in their marketing strategies. While graphic-based advertisements are common, I've observed a notable increase in successful transactions after transitioning from posting property pictures to presenting them in video format.

If you're reading this and still have doubts about purchasing property online, consider the value it offers. It eliminates the need to wait until your next visit or vacation to the Philippines. Time can be a crucial factor in real estate investment, and by utilizing e-tripping videos, we help Filipino investors abroad secure their preferred units and avoid potential price increases.

As a Millennial realtor, I constantly ask myself, "How can I provide more value?" This question extends beyond my profession and applies to all aspects of our lives. When we focus on how we can contribute to others, people around us will sense our genuine intention to help. 

There's still much room for improvement and growth in the real estate industry in the Philippines, and I'm excited to witness a shift where real estate agents are seen not only as professionals who sell and earn commissions but as individuals who provide genuine value, much like doctors and lawyers.

If you're living abroad and want to explore the possibilities of e-tripping in real estate, reach out to me through my Facebook account.

Jireh V. Mamaclay, 27, is an industrial engineer by profession. Recognized as The Property Geek across Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, he has transitioned from a banking role to a dedicated realtor in the South. Presently, he manages a team as the sales director of a realty enterprise. He intends to assist fellow Filipinos, particularly those within his generation, in attaining their property investment goals.