BUYING a house is one of the most important purchases you will make for your family. And rightly so, since the money that you have to shell out is nothing to sneeze at. That's why many wrongly decide to simply rent, often incorrectly thinking that you can always buy a house when you have saved enough money.

Depending on the area, this can even go up between P18,000 to P20,000 -- not considering the steep annual lease increases that make things even more difficult for apartment dwellers.

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Also, unlike your own house, you cannot simply make renovations, repairs, and changes without the permission of the owner.

In fact, there is a traditional Filipino saying that goes, "Para kang naghuhulog nang pera sa butas na alikansiya kapag umuupa" when renting (renting is like saving in a piggy bank that has a hole). Rightly so.

Fortunately today, owning a house is not so farfetched a dream. Many real estate developers now offer very affordable terms that allow many Filipino families a chance to fulfill their dreams.

With rent going up every year by as much as 10 percent to 15 percent, it is certainly more efficient and financially sound to invest in your own house and lot -- whether as a home to call your own or as an investment.

Camella, the country's most preferred housing brand, is a proud member of the Philippines' largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc.

Only Vista Land offers the broadest spectrum of homes, catering to all income levels, spanning the most extensive geographic reach.

From its beginnings, Camella has expanded its reach well beyond Mega Manila to become a community of choice for Filipinos living in the provinces as well.

For over 30 years, Camella has evolved from just being a real estate developer into a creator of prestigious communities that nurture good, old-fashioned Filipino values of family and togetherness. Its understanding of the Filipino consumer has allowed Camella to establish itself as a respected and trusted community developer.

This understanding has allowed Camella to make its presence felt in 17 provinces and 35 municipalities and cities nationwide. It has a total of 73 projects that offer a wide range of choices for buyers of different tastes and preferences.

Camella's pristine communities offer beautifully designed and high-quality homes in an environment that is safe and secure yet easily accessible for its residents. You can choose from several beautiful designs that are constructed to maximize space and appear spacious.

Camella's communities are well gated and well guarded, with 24-hour security personnel. Your family can also look forward to lush surroundings because its communities abound in trees and lush foliage where kids can frolic.

You can choose from five years to 15 years, depending on your capacity to pay. You can even own a house for as low as P13,500 per month. Camella offers the most flexible terms that make owning a home a reality.

So, to rent? Or not to rent? Visit Camella and you won't have to answer that question again.

For more information, call Camella Communities (Regional Developments) in Manila at (02) 7266143 or in General Santos at (083) 5533377, fax number is (083) 5538877. You may also visit their Camella Communities office at the 2nd Floor, Mandarin Tea House, South Osmeña St., General Santos City or visit their Web site at www.camella.com.ph