Lumina Homes, a Pathway to Opportunities for OFWs

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are not just famous for their perseverance and great determination or for being modern-day heroes of our motherland. But, they are also known for their practicality, especially in choosing their dream house and lot. In fact, they have greater purchasing power since they are earning in the form of foreign currency.

However, they consider many factors, including the community's location, accessibility, amenities, and facilities they and their family can fully utilize and enjoy. And the most important thing to consider is the safety and security of the property since this will put their heart at ease even if they are miles away from home.

That is why the country's fastest-growing real estate property developer recognized OFWs' hard work and commitment to providing a better life for their families. They started offering a variety of house and lot in the Philippines in which the five factors in choosing a home for every Juan have been placed in one livable community.

Unit Investment Trust Funds and Mutual Funds: A Glimpse of OFW Investment  

Gone are the days when most OFWs chose to invest in unit investment trust funds (UITF) and mutual funds as part of their investment portfolio. During those old times, many OFW households opt to place their hard-earned money on Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) investment personal equity, a voluntary retirement investment program in Philippine Stock Exchange.

But, their pooled investments have little to no assurance of a withdrawal or benefit claim in the stock market; unless they have a professional fund manager to monitor their UITFs, mutual funds, and cash flow in online trading platforms. As a result, investing in the stock market is not a tangible asset after all.

Seeing a Bigger Picture in OFW Investment

Today, overseas Filipino members are more inclined to retirement fund investing, thanks to financial literacy seminars given by private institutions. They were encouraged to put up a minimum monthly investment in platforms like the SSS Flexi fund program and regular PAG-IBIG savings rather than stock investing. 

But, OFWs have the best investment opportunities in real estate properties, such as buying a house, vacant land, or condo units. Overseas Filipinos who opt for real estate investing can have a large cash reserve for a secure future if they have the plan to sell them. Thus, they can even save them as an emergency fund for financial security, consider franchise business opportunities, or use them for immediate financial needs.

An Excellent Real Estate Investment for OFWs

Lumina Homes, a credible real estate developer Vista Land International housing arm, offers affordable house and lot packages. These real estate properties are built in the most accessible locations close to major thoroughfares, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, business areas, and leisure centers. It also includes amenities such as community halls, basketball courts, mini gardens and playgrounds, and commercial properties for lease or franchise business options. Therefore, real estate properties are tangible assets for overseas Filipinos.

Lumina Homes fulfills the hope of every OFW in weaving dreams even from afar with flexible payment options through PAG-IBIG Fund. They can also enjoy higher tax exemption or tax-free benefits from the government's special housing programs.

Top Reasons Why OFWs are Special to the Real Estate Industry  

The real estate industry in the Philippines sees the potentials in OFWs when it comes to real estate investment. They have the quality to strive to ensure their earnings and sacrifices would not be wasted.

• OFW seeks better opportunities abroad.

Many of our kababayans decided to work in a foreign land because of the long-term advantages they could generate from it and, eventually, be beneficial for the better future of their families.

But, being an OFW is more than just the benefit of a higher salary but also the perks of having a greater sense of cultural awareness that could help them to widen their professional network and increase their work credibility. It is more than just financial freedom and fulfillment but also an asset for their personal growth.

• OFWs value their family more.

Along with these merits are the misconceptions of most Filipinos about working abroad. They thought that being an OFW “always” meant better income, more savings, a better life, and the quickest way to riches. We can always see them running through the nearest remittance center sending money to their loved ones. Little do they know about the sacrifices our OFWs have to deal with every day to give their family members a better life and a better home.

• OFWs are employable.

Imagine their extreme culture shock the first time they landed in a foreign country. The culture, the roads, the people, the tradition, and sometimes, even the time is entirely different from their home country.

How could we even picture their hardships as they try to learn a foreign language and culture just to cope with the unfamiliar environment? Think about their long cold nights, longing for warmth and comfort from their loved ones who are a million miles away from them. But, they choose to adjust and hone their skills to be employable.

• Overseas Filipinos stand tall, steadfast, and resilient.

Now, here comes the pandemic. Some of our kababayans were forced to go back home. Most of the companies and establishments they used to work for got affected. Much worse, they were soon constrained to close their businesses due to the nationwide lockdown caused by COVID-19 in every part of the world. But, they remain steadfast and resilient and hopeful they could return to work overseas again.

Lumina Online University to Boost OFW Financial Freedom

The fact that OFWs could not work abroad forever, they need to find ways to secure their hard-earned money and find a good investment. So, it is such alleviating news that Lumina Homes continues building, not just affordable housing packages for OFWs, but also fresh avenues to offer new career opportunities to every Filipino. Lumina Homes can be a Lantern of Hope for OFWs, since they may become an accredited seller too. 

Dedicated to providing a decent abode for every Filipino family, Lumina Homes aims to tap more real estate brokers and agents to help assist in its mission. However, in light of the recent events, it is unable to hold gatherings like sales clinics and product knowledge seminars like it used to. But with its mission in mind, it was able to launch “Lumina Online University” a web-based teaching platform that offers free sales courses on selling Lumina Homes.

What's in it for Overseas Filipino Workers?

“Lumina Online University” initially offers a two-level learning course with several modules each: 

Beginner's Course

1. Fundamentals of Lumina Homes

2. Reservation Process

3. Real Estate 101

4. Admin and Customer Care Briefing

 Advanced Course

1. Recruitment & Training

2. Facebook Marketing

3. Digital Marketing

In the future, this training portal will also include free webinars and specific courses about Lumina properties so sellers will become more familiar with the product they are selling.

To access the free online courses in the “Lumina Online University,” one must already be an accredited seller in any of Lumina Homes' projects nationwide. Once accredited, the seller may simply follow these easy steps:

1. Go to the Lumina Online University official site at https://onlineuniversity.lumina.com.ph/
2. Click the "Register" button.
3. Fill out the required details and click "Sign Up" to finish.
4. You will receive an email to confirm your successful registration.
5. Wait for 24 hours as your Lumina Marketing Officer will have to verify your account before you are given access to the free courses.

A digital certificate will be automatically generated for every completed course.

Our OFWs, who are looking for new career perspectives can now learn selling techniques and factors to consider in buying a home through Lumina Homes Online University. Here, they can learn the basics of the real estate business which might inspire them to take the path of being a licensed real estate agent. It could give them a fresh start and hopefully, helps them to regain the momentum that they suddenly left abroad.

Indeed, Lumina Homes is more than just a home for our OFWs but also a pathway to opportunities to start anew.