Many Filipinos dream of owning a house and lot because of the sense of security it gives them and their families. However, it normally takes years for them to achieve it because of all the resources and requirements needed. Nonetheless, there are those who dare to dream like 27-year-old Christine Mae Ranario.
Driven by circumstances she encountered in her teenage years, Christine developed the desire to have her own home. Originally from Bohol, she and her family were forced to move in with relatives in Bauan, Batangas when she was in college.
"Habang nagka-college ako, nasa isip ko, hala, wala kaming bahay. Nakikitira lang kami. So kailangan, pag-graduate ko, galingan ko kasi dapat magkaroon ako ng bahay. ‘Yun ang motivation ko habang nag-aaral. Nakita ko yung importance na may mauuwian ka, tapos sa ‘yo talaga siya," Ranario recalls.
Christine’s house-hunting journey began in 2018 while at her first job in a private accounting firm. While she knew that her entry-level salary would not meet the requirements to obtain a housing loan, she still went on to inquire and apply for one with most banks anyway. As expected, all her applications were rejected.
Still not wanting to give up on her dream house, Christine went directly to one of th leading real estate developers to inquire about payment terms that aligned with her financial capabilities. Fortunately, the developer offered a discounted rate for her monthly down payment. On top of this, Christine’s broker told her that she qualified for a BPI housing loan even without the salary requirements.
Christine was so happy to know that she was eligible for a loan with BPI. She then recalled the bank’s excellent customer service since opening her first-ever deposit account while reviewing for her board exam. Christine became even more satisfied with BPI after it offered an amortization rate that was 30 percent lower than other banks.
Christine was grateful for the bank's flexible terms, which enabled her to finally purchase the home she had been dreaming of for her family.
BPI gave me an opportunity to invest in a property using a loan. Even though my ranking is this low compared to normal loan takers because of their income status, I was still accommodated. The bank has trust. The institution has trust in people regardless of your level in the company," Ranario shares.
Today, Christine enjoys the comfort of living in her own home together with her mother.