Lessons from a Bumpy Start: Finding Grace in Philippine Real Estate
by Richard Valdez - www.RichardValdezRE.com
A Rough Start in Our Overseas Property Journey
There are some lessons you only learn when life knocks the wind out of you — quietly, unexpectedly, and always when you thought you had everything under control. That’s how it was with our first real estate experience in the Philippines — one that started with optimism but taught us lessons that money can’t buy.
We entered the Philippine property market from abroad, armed with trust, excitement, and dreams of building something lasting. But as many overseas Filipino buyers discover, real estate back home comes with unexpected turns. The seller we were dealing with mistakenly believed she owned a lot in Buenos Aires, Dontogan, Baguio City — only to later find out it was actually the adjacent parcel. Trusting her word, we proceeded with a soil survey on the wrong lot. To make matters worse, the survey revealed the presence of soluble limestone, which can dissolve over time and compromise the stability of any structure if proper foundation engineering and stormwater management aren’t implemented. What started as a hopeful investment became a hard-earned lesson in due diligence.
Lessons Every Overseas Filipino Should Know About Real Estate in the Philippines
The real estate process in the Philippines can feel daunting when you’re living abroad. We learned that distance magnifies everything — trust issues, timelines, and communication. But through it all, we discovered what every Filipino-American investor eventually learns: that patience, the right people, and transparency make all the difference.
Choosing the Right Real Estate Team in the Philippines
Our turning point came when we partnered with a team that didn’t just handle documents — they handled us with integrity. They delivered on promises, guided us through every challenge, and reminded us that the right people can turn a difficult process into a meaningful partnership.
For OFWs and investors overseas, finding a trustworthy local real estate team is everything. Look for professionals who communicate clearly, provide honest updates, and understand what it means to invest not just money — but trust — from thousands of miles away.
From Setback to Success: Finding Gratitude in the Process
Now, as we look back, the road that once seemed so uneven feels smoother than ever. Every delay, every document mix-up, every doubt became part of the rhythm that carried us from frustration to gratitude.
Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be. Maybe we need to stumble before we can stand with confidence. Because growth rarely comes from perfect transactions — it comes from learning what to do when things don’t go as planned.
A Reflection for Every Overseas Buyer
Maybe mistakes are what make our fate… without them, what would shape our lives?
For every Filipino living abroad dreaming of owning property back home, remember this: setbacks are part of the journey. They teach patience, humility, and resilience — values that go far beyond real estate.
Thinking About Investing in Philippine Real Estate from Abroad?
If you’re an OFW, Filipino-American, or international investor planning to buy property in the Philippines, let our story be your reminder: find the right partners, ask the right questions, and never lose sight of why you started.
Visit www.RichardValdezRE.com for trusted stories, local connections, and insights to help guide your property journey — whether you’re building a home for retirement, investment, or simply to come home to.
