If there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that many new condo owners aren’t sure what to look for when developers finally hand over the keys. Here’s a quick checklist to help you catch issues before signing off. 🧱 Walls, Floors, Ceilings Look for cracks, uneven paint, or stains. Tap tiles with a coin—if it sounds hollow, it might pop later. Step barefoot to feel for bumps or dips. Check ceilings for leaks or discoloration. 🚿 Water & Plumbing Turn on everything—faucets, shower

Let’s explore an insightful way to evaluate returns from real estate investments — the Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Like the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), IRR expresses profitability as a percentage. But while CAGR assumes a single buy-and-sell event (start vs. end values), IRR is far more flexible. It factors in all cash inflows and outflows over time — including staggered payments, rent, resale proceeds, or even interim costs — then determines the exact discount r

Many lease contracts in the Philippines require tenants to pay advance rent—often applied to the first months of the lease—alongside a security deposit. At first glance, it seems straightforward: pay a few months ahead, start the lease, done. But here’s where many contracts (and brokers) get it wrong. Advance rent is meant to protect the lessor throughout the lease term—not just at the start. It should be applied to the last two months of the lease, not the first two. The sec

When Lawyers Are Involved The moment a lawyer steps into a transaction, things often become more complex. And there’s a reason for that:...

Thought of the day: For nearly a decade now, rental rates in Metro Manila’s central business districts have been locked in the same...

Did you know that a land title can actually exist in more than one copy—with each co-owner holding their own? Under Presidential Decree...

Here’s a little-known quirk about subdivisions in the Philippines: Once a developer finishes building a village, they sometimes donate...

A few days ago, I sold a camera online. I wanted to unload it quickly, so I checked the going rates. Prices hovered around P25K, with a...

Broker: We’re trying to close a deal. Buyer (let’s call him Alfred) is about to sell his primary residence (Property A), which he...

After our Foreigner Condo Registration post, some asked: “How do you actually get a BSRD?” Even some banks aren’t sure—so here’s what we...