Philippine Islands Real Estate Blogs: One OFW’s Search for Home (and Property)

I couldn’t help but wonder… can an OFW ever really buy peace of mind in square footage?

Let’s be real. Navigating real estate in the Philippines while living thousands of miles away isn’t just overwhelming—it can feel like dating someone long-distance: full of paperwork, crossed signals, and the occasional ghosting from your agent.

As an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) living in San Francisco with my husband and our four dogs, I’ve spent years researching, dreaming, and digging into the complicated—but meaningful—process of investing in property back home.

I’m not a licensed real estate agent in the Philippines. What I am is a fellow OFW, someone who's faced the same questions you’re probably asking right now:

• Should I buy a condo in Baguio?

• Is it smarter to invest in land in La Union or a townhouse in Tagaytay?

• How do I avoid getting scammed from across the ocean?

These blogs were born from those questions, late-night Google searches, long conversations with balikbayans, and a need to make sense of it all. I created this space not just as a real estate resource, but as a kind of open diary—something to help fellow OFWs find clarity while navigating the foggy roads of Philippine property ownership.

Whether you’re planning your retirement, dreaming of a vacation home in the mountains, or just want to dip your toes into the Philippine real estate market without getting burned, consider this your starting point. I’m sharing what I’ve learned—honestly, imperfectly, and with the hope that it saves you time, money, and heartache.

Because sometimes, home isn't just where the heart is—it’s also where the title deed is.

And while we chase views and peace in the hills of Baguio, sometimes what we’re really searching for is the place where quiet mornings meet easy city access — and that’s when home becomes not just a shelter, but a story of where we belong. — www.RichardValdezRE.com