Lessons from a Bumpy Start: Finding Grace in Philippine Real Estate
Sometimes the hardest lessons lead us home. After a bumpy start with our first real estate experience in the Philippines, we learned that distance, trust, and patience define every overseas property journey. For OFWs and Filipino-Americans dreaming of investing back home, this story is a reminder that mistakes aren’t failures — they’re guideposts. With the right team and faith in the process, even the roughest beginning can lead to a smooth and meaningful investment journey in the Philippines.
“Maybe the road was never meant to be easy — only meant to bring us exactly where we’re supposed to be.”
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.
On Land, Legacy, and Listening to the Ground Beneath You
When a San Francisco Realtor reviews a hillside lot in Baguio City via Zoom, the result is a masterclass in smart, respectful property offers. From soil analysis to zoning insights, discover how to invest in Philippine real estate with clarity, due diligence, and global perspective.
By Richard Valdez | San Francisco Realtor & Global Property Investor
Investing in Property Abroad: From San Francisco to Baguio City
San Francisco real estate has taught me that every parcel of land tells a story—one that deserves to be understood fully before any offer is made. That’s why, when I virtually toured a hillside lot in Buenos Aires, Dontogan, Baguio City, Philippines, I brought the same thoughtful lens I use when representing clients in San Francisco's competitive real estate market.
Touring Baguio Real Estate Virtually: A Zoom Call with High Stakes
Even though I wasn't physically present in Baguio, I explored the property via a Zoom video call with my Philippine-based architects and local real estate agent—joined by my husband and our four dogs watching from home. Through the screen, the views were breathtaking. But as a seasoned Realtor, I knew better than to rely solely on first impressions.
Due Diligence in International Real Estate: What Lies Beneath the Surface
Whether in San Francisco or the Philippines, one rule remains: never skip the due diligence. A geotechnical report revealed soluble limestone beneath the property—a red flag in Baguio, a city known for heavy rainfall. In my experience, you can’t build confidently on soil that may dissolve beneath you.
What Is Soluble Limestone, and Why Should Real Estate Buyers Care?
Soluble limestone can erode, creating dangerous voids beneath the ground. For hillside developments in areas like Baguio, this isn’t a small detail—it’s a structural game-changer.
Writing a Respectful, Data-Driven Offer on a Lot in Buenos Aires, Dontogan, Baguio City
The land was listed at ₱16,000 per square meter. After reviewing reports and calculating additional construction requirements, we submitted a fair offer of ₱13,000 per square meter. This wasn’t about negotiating for the sake of it—it was about ensuring safe and sustainable property development in Baguio City.
Smart Real Estate Offers Are Built on Facts, Not Just Feelings
My offer accounted for:
Engineering upgrades
Deeper, reinforced foundations
Enhanced drainage infrastructure
This wasn’t a lowball—it was an informed, responsible offer, backed by experience.
Zoning Laws Matter: R3 Development Impacts Property Value
The neighboring lot is zoned R3, meaning multi-story construction is permitted. This could affect natural light, noise, privacy, and long-term property value. It’s a reminder: always research adjacent zoning when investing in Philippine real estate or abroad.
Real Estate Without the Drama: Clarity, Commitment, and Integrity
We made it clear:
✅ We were ready to begin legal due diligence immediately
✅ Full payment could be released within 30 days
✅ No endless back-and-forth
As a Realtor, I value offers that feel like partnerships—not pressure tactics.
What San Francisco Real Estate Has Taught Me About Global Investment
The lessons I’ve learned in San Francisco real estate—about timing, transparency, and respect—served me well here. Real estate isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about starting the next chapter with confidence and clarity.
Final Thoughts: How to Approach International Real Estate Wisely
Before you make an offer—whether in Baguio City, the Bay Area, or anywhere in between—ask yourself:
Have you researched the soil and infrastructure?
Do you understand the zoning?
Are you offering with respect and realism?
Because in this business, your principles are your brand.
Ready to Buy Property in San Francisco or the Philippines?
If you're looking to invest in San Francisco real estate, explore international property in the Philippines, or simply want a Realtor who puts thought into every offer, I invite you to connect.
👉 Visit www.RichardValdezRE.com
Let’s make sure your next real estate decision is built on solid ground.
Finding the Right Ground: Trusting Your Instinct When Buying Property in Baguio
Discover why trusting your instincts is essential when buying property in Baguio. From lessons in neighborhood stability to finding a home that feels right, learn how a San Francisco realtor approaches Baguio real estate, property investment, and building a home with a solid foundation in both community and value.
by Richard Valdez - www.RichardValdezRE.com
Listening to What Life—and Real Estate—Teaches You
I’ve always believed that when things don’t go the way we hope, there’s a reason behind it. Life has a quiet way of redirecting us, even when the path feels uncertain. Sometimes, you just have to stop, look closer, and listen—to what’s not being said, to what’s waiting patiently to be revealed.
Buying property in Baguio feels a lot like that. Every lot has a story, every slope a whisper. And if you pay attention, you’ll learn that Baguio real estate—just like life—often speaks through intuition.
Every Lot Tells a Story
Even the most beautiful Baguio City homes require a discerning eye. The surface might look perfect, but the surrounding community, neighborhood trends, and local developments are just as important as the lot itself. For any serious Baguio property investment, these factors cannot be overlooked.
Trusting Your Gut When Buying Property in Baguio
In real estate, as in life, I’ve learned to trust my instincts. On paper, the lot in Buenos Aires, Dontogan, Baguio had its beauty—green slopes, crisp mountain air, and the promise of a view that could steal your breath.
But something about it didn’t sit right with me. The shadow of Chavit Singson’s large undeveloped property nearby lingered like an unanswered question—casting uncertainty over the neighborhood’s future and affecting potential long-term Baguio property values.
Shadows Over the Neighborhood
Even for a seasoned buyer or seller, a large undeveloped parcel nearby signals risk. In my experience, both in Baguio real estate and San Francisco property investment, the surrounding area often impacts not only your home’s value but also the lifestyle it affords.
Lessons from San Francisco: Neighborhoods That Endure
I’ve always believed in taking chances on up-and-coming areas—especially when the price per square meter makes sense. In San Francisco, I’ve seen neighborhoods rise, fall, and rise again. But the ones that endure, the ones that hold both spirit and value, are those with deep roots—established, steady, and grounded in a sense of belonging.
Up-and-Coming vs. Established Neighborhoods
For homebuyers in Baguio City or elsewhere, understanding the distinction between developing neighborhoods and well-established communities is key. Stability isn’t just a physical matter; it’s a reflection of the people, infrastructure, and local economy that surround the property.
Building a Home with a Strong Foundation—and a Strong Community
If I’m going to build a home in Baguio City, I want it to stand on more than just a solid foundation of concrete and steel. I want it to rise within a community that feels anchored—where every sunrise doesn’t just promise beauty but also security and connection.
Whether you’re making a Baguio property investment or purchasing your dream home, choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as the lot itself.
The Importance of Community in Home Buying
A home is more than walls and a roof. It’s the sense of belonging you feel when you step outside, the neighbors you can rely on, and the stability that allows your investment to grow. For anyone navigating the Baguio real estate market, community insight is invaluable.
A Realtor Who Listens—Even Across Borders
I’m not a licensed realtor in the Philippines, but I am a licensed realtor in San Francisco, California. And I’ve learned that buying or selling property anywhere starts with listening. Knowing what matters to my clients, understanding the nuances of the market, and trusting instinct over impulse—these are the lessons I bring to every transaction.
Encouragement for Home Buyers
As we continue our journey to find the right property to build our retirement home, I hope this reflection encourages others who are also searching for a place to call home—not to lose heart. Keep looking. The right property will come. And when it does, you’ll know. Not because it’s perfect, but because it feels like home.
Connect with Me for San Francisco Real Estate
For anyone seeking guidance or representation in San Francisco, CA real estate, I invite you to connect with me. Your home, your investment, and your peace of mind matter—and that’s exactly where I focus my experience.