Buying a house in the Philippines for the first time can be very exciting. But let’s face it – finding a place to call our own is no easy task. As with any major purchase, buying a house requires knowledge and research, plenty of help, unending patience, and thorough inspection – even if they are brand new. This is likely the most significant investment you’ve ever made – and the more you know about buying your first home, the better your decisions will be.
10 Things to Watch Out For When Buying a House in the Philippines
As a first-time buyer, you need to be sure that it’s the right home for you. Here are ten important things to watch out for when buying a house in the Philippines:
1. Ownership history
Buying a house that is not brand-new? Then it’s best to learn more about its history. Keep calm and ask questions. How was the property maintained? Was there any damage and structure repair history? Any additions or major renovations? Why is the seller leaving? Save yourself from trouble and investigate. You’ll thank me later.
2. Exterior
Start with an exterior inspection as most of the common issues can be found here. Walk around the property and explore the surroundings. Is the roof falling? Is the trim rotting? Look for any visible cracks or other issues that may have formed as well.
3. Interior
Get inside and check the floor, walls, and ceilings for cracks – they can form due to several reasons such as oversight during construction and earthquakes. It can also suggest poor engineering or the lack of a strong foundation- and you want to avoid that.
4. Plumbing and water damage
To test the plumbing, open every available faucet and see if you’re satisfied with the water pressure. Low water pressure can indicate leaky or clogged pipes. Test the shower and flush the toilet a few times to see if they are working correctly as well.
To check for water damages, look carefully under sinks and bathrooms as well as the walls and see if any of them are covered with paint or if you discover a growth of mold. If you do, consult an expert immediately.
5. Uneven floors
To examine uneven floors, place any round object around different areas of every room and see if it rolls around randomly. If it does, that means the foundation the floors were built on is uneven. Fixing this can be costly, so make sure to decide accordingly.
6. Septic systems
Inspect the septic system and make sure that it is functioning well as damaged ones can result in unpleasant strong odors. Ensuring that it is working well guarantees that you’ll be safe against dangerous bacteria and soil contamination.
7. Ventilation
Houses with good ventilation make it possible for air to flow correctly. This will influence the scent of your home and how warm or cold it can get. Dedicated windows and vents can release any accumulation of smoke, gas, or pollutants and can also prevent the creation of mold. Also, if you are inadequately ventilated, you could be wasting a lot of energy on air conditioning and electric fans.
8. Accessibility
Choose a home that’s convenient depending on your preference- whether in the bustling cities like Manila, Makati, Quezon City, or the emerging provinces like Rizal. Also, how close are you to amenities and places of interest such as the clubhouse, convenience stores, and supermarkets? Do you have many neighbors close by?
9. Examine the wiring and other electrical components
Test the light switches of each room and see if the lights are working and check the location and availability of power outlets. If you want to test the sockets, bring a small phone charger as well.
It would be best if you ask about the electrical system of the property because faulty wiring or broken electrical fittings can lead to a severe danger down the line. This can cause plenty of inconveniences, or worse, a fire.
10. Pest infestation signs or activity
To check the property for signs of pest infestation or activity, knock on the surfaces of wooden structures such as walls, cabinets, and desks. If they sound unusually hollow and chip or break easily, that could be an indication of termite activity.
Also, search for small holes and crevices on the bottom parts of the walls of the kitchen and dining room as they can be potential entry points for rodents and insects as well.
Buying a House VS Buying a Condo in the Philippines
We already know that buying a house is an excellent long-term investment for those looking for a permanent dwelling and the best choice for those who are looking to start or grow a family. But what else?
- You have the right and freedom to renovate your property anytime you want without other people’s consent. Whether you want to customize the interior or exterior, repaint, build a private pool, or create a garden in your backyard, feel free to do so.
- More privacy, more space. Unlike condominiums, houses offer more privacy because neighbors don’t live next to each other. Not to mention houses often have bigger and broader spaces both indoors and outdoors to accommodate more bedrooms, storage areas, open yards, gardens, etc.
Why Every New Home Buyer Needs a Real Estate Agent
The home buying process may be exciting, but it’s not as easy as it sounds, especially for first-time buyers. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you consult with a real estate expert for a smooth process.
Don’t worry! Real estate agents will not only locate several homes that fit your needs and help you select the right home. They will generally help you through the process. This includes:
1. Coordinating the whole transaction process
They certainly won’t leave you hanging. A real estate agent will ensure all terms of purchase contracts are met. They will also be the ones to prepare, deliver, and explain all the necessary documents in the transaction process such as title insurance, deeds, loyalty contracts, purchase agreements, and so on.
2. Mortgage loan application assistance
No idea where and how to apply for a mortgage loan? Real estate agents got your back! They will surely help you find the mortgage loan with the best terms for your situation. They will also walk you through the requirements, procedures, and paper works as well.
3. Scheduling appraisals, inspections, etc.
Lastly, real estate agents will be responsible for setting schedules for inspections, reports and repair negotiations. They will assist you through closing and taking possession to ensure a smooth transaction too.
Finding a Real Estate Agent/Broker in the Philippines To Represent You
An excellent real estate agent or broker should be able to meet your standards. You deserve nothing less than exceptional representation. With our vast knowledge in selling real estate properties in the Philippines for over 20 years, at Lilian Real Estate, we can exceed that. You will experience the highest caliber of service and expertise with the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism with gratitude.
Lilian Real Estate knows it’s not just about getting the deal; it’s about making sure the customer is content and fulfilled with their experience. We live and help our clients transition into a healthy lifestyle and a new home, and we certainly are the best choice for your next real estate transaction.
Search for Properties in the Philippines for Sale Online
It’s 2020, folks! In this day and age, you already have access to a wealth of information online. If you haven’t signed up for the digital trend, now is your time to be!
Take advantage of the internet – Start searching for Real Estate properties in the Philippines for sale online and get the best deals. You can check out Lilian Real Estate‘s finest, most exclusive and affordable house & lot and condominium listings to get started.
FAQs About Buying a House in the Philippines
If you have never purchased or owned a house or flat, and you have no property to sell at all, then you are classified as a first-time buyer.
It depends on the type of home you plan to buy, whether it is RFO (Ready for occupancy) or not. But on average, it takes 30-45 days from the initial pre-approval process to the signing of the contract.
People usually view houses between 2-4 times before making a decision, but it depends on you. Make sure to do a house inspection and scrutinize every part of the house as you need to be sure it’s the right one for you.