DUMAGUETE CITY – Team Solid, a newly affiliated unit of Filipinohomes, completed its Starter Kit training at the network's Dumaguete office on a recent date. The session, grounded in the company's "5 Pillars of Business Success," aims to embed a robust ethical framework in every new agent.

During the training, participants were reminded that success in real estate is anchored on trustworthiness, good service, focus, goodwill, and knowledge. Going beyond theory, the session enumerated non‑negotiable behaviors: honesty, a client‑centered mindset, goal orientation, self‑motivation, respect for colleagues and leaders, law‑abiding conduct, and resourcefulness.

A client-centered philosophy across all levels

“The first step toward greatness is to be honest,” reads company material, underscoring that business success and personal integrity are inseparable. The Starter Kit therefore goes beyond technical skills to instill a sense of responsibility toward both sellers and buyers. Participants worked through scenarios that tested their ability to prioritize client needs, comply with regulations, and communicate transparently.

The training also reinforced the network’s commitment to continuous professional development. New team members learned how to access Filipinohomes’ national property database, developer partnerships, and internal training platforms. Such support is intended to make the “goal-oriented” and “self-motivated” pillars not mere slogans but daily practice.

Building a law‑abiding, grounded sales force

In an industry where shortcuts can erode public trust, the Filipinohomes Starter Kit puts strong emphasis on law‑abiding practice. Agents were guided on the proper handling of client funds, accurate disclosure of property defects, and strict adherence to DHSUD regulations. The session also tackled common ethical dilemmas, from pricing transparency to managing conflicts of interest.

By completing the program, Team Solid members earn full onboarding status, granting them access to the network's multi‑listing platform and a nationwide referral network. The team will also receive ongoing mentorship from senior brokers.

Long‑term fundamentals support demand

The training comes as Dumaguete’s property market shows sustained strength. Dumaguete houses now average approximately ₱71,500 per square meter, with condo prices commanding a roughly 45 percent premium over Bacolod house‑and‑lot properties. The pronounced gap reflects limited walkable urban land, steady expat demand, and the ₱13‑billion Korean loan secured for the new Dumaguete airport—an infrastructure project expected to “re‑rate land values in Negros Oriental over the next five years.” Across Negros Island, property values are projected to grow 28 percent to 38 percent over the next five years, translating to a steady 5 percent to 7 percent compound annual growth rate.

Tourism traffic buttresses valuation

The momentum is reinforced by a thriving tourism sector. The Negros Oriental Provincial Tourism Office targets 1 million arrivals for 2026, building on the 954,344 tourists recorded last year, a 15.22 percent increase from 2024. Strong foot traffic translates directly into rental market demand and supports the viability of new residential projects. Looking further ahead, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently assured the province that the government is committed to constructing a new airport, rehabilitating a seaport, and establishing a dedicated health facility—complementary measures expected to boost both liveability and investor confidence.

Positioning for long-term growth

For Team Solid, the Starter Kit training is exactly that—a starting point. With access to Filipinohomes’ national property database and developer partnerships, the team is now positioned to serve clients across Dumaguete and the broader Negros Oriental market. The training also marks the beginning of a structured career pathway, offering ongoing mentorship, performance‑based incentives, and integration into one of the country’s largest real estate networks, which currently operates over 35,000 agents nationwide. The team intends to apply its fresh training to help both first‑time buyers and expatriate investors secure properties in a market where proximity to hospitals, schools, and transport hubs remains the primary driver of value.