Author: Renan Ramales

  • Why You Should Always Overbid for the Corner Lot

    Why You Should Always Overbid for the Corner Lot

    Not All Lots are Equal.

    In a subdivision, 90% of lots are “Regular” (neighbors on both sides, one frontage). 10% are Corner Lots. In a bank auction, the base price difference is often small. The Value Difference is massive.

    The “Light & Air” Factor

    • Ventilation: Windows on two sides instead of one.
    • Privacy: Only one direct neighbor.
    • Design: You can build a grander facade with dual frontage.

    The Resale Velocity

    When you sell in 10 years, the Corner Lot sells first. Always. If you see a Corner Lot in the catalog, add 10-15% to your max bid. It is worth it.

    Two Fronts, Double Value

    Don’t be cheap on the location. You can change the house; you can’t change the lot type.

  • Why the Rich Buy Property Under a Corporation (And You Can Too)

    Why the Rich Buy Property Under a Corporation (And You Can Too)

    Name or Inc.?

    When you register for our auction, you check a box: Individual or Corporation. Most check Individual. The smart money often checks Corporation.

    The Benefits

    1. Liability Protection: If you get sued personally, the asset is safe inside the corp.
    2. Expense Deduction: Depreciation of the building, repairs, and mortgage interest can often be claimed as business expenses (consult your accountant!).
    3. Estate Planning: It is easier to transfer shares of stock to your heirs than to transfer a physical land title.

    The Requirement

    You will need a Board Resolution or Secretary’s Certificate authorizing you to bid. It takes an extra day to prepare, but it saves headaches for decades.

  • Buying with Siblings: How to Keep the House and Keep the Peace

    Buying with Siblings: How to Keep the House and Keep the Peace

    Stronger Together. Dangerous if Unprepared.

    Combining incomes with a sibling allows you to bid on the Premier Tranche. Instead of two small studios, you buy one legacy family home. But money destroys families if expectations aren’t clear.

    Rule #1: The “Exit Strategy”

    Before you bid, sign a paper answering this: “What happens if one of us gets married?” Usually, the married sibling wants their cash out to build their own life.

    • The Solution: Agree that the remaining sibling has the “First Right of Refusal” to buy out the share over 5 years.

    Rule #2: The Title Split

    Ensure the title reflects the contribution. If Kuya pays 70% and Bunso pays 30%, the Co-Ownership agreement should state 70/30, not 50/50.

    Clarity is Love

    Don’t rely on “trust.” rely on a contract. It saves the relationship later.

  • Bad Feng Shui? How to “Cleanse” a Foreclosed Home

    Bad Feng Shui? How to “Cleanse” a Foreclosed Home

    “May Malas Ba?” (Is there bad luck?)

    It’s a valid cultural fear. Someone lost this house; therefore, the house must be unlucky. But in Feng Shui, Luck is not static. It changes with the owner and the flow of Chi.

    The Renovation Cure

    A foreclosed house often has “stagnant energy” because it was closed for months. The cure is Movement.

    • Tearing down a wall: breaks the old pattern.
    • New Paint: shifts the energy frequency.
    • Bright Light: kills the “yin” darkness.

    The “Tumbok” Advantage

    Some buyers avoid “Tumbok” (facing a T-junction) lots. But for commercial properties, Tumbok is Gold because the energy (and traffic) hits you directly. Knowing how to use the energy matters more than fearing it.

    Make Your Own Luck

    The luckiest house is the one you bought at 40% below market value.

  • Can I Use Pag-IBIG for a Bank Foreclosure? The Honest Answer.

    Can I Use Pag-IBIG for a Bank Foreclosure? The Honest Answer.

    The Financing Dilemma.

    You have been paying your Pag-IBIG contributions for 10 years. You want to use it. But here is the catch: Banks prefer their own loans. When you buy from a bank auction, the default option is “In-House” or “Bank Financing.”

    The “Takeout” Strategy

    Most banks require you to close the deal using their financing first (to ensure speed). However, once the title is transferred to your name, you can often refinance or “take out” that loan using Pag-IBIG to enjoy lower interest rates and longer payment terms (up to 30 years).

    Do the Math First

    Bank rates are currently competitive (around 10% fixed for 5 years). Pag-IBIG rates are lower (6-7%), but the processing is slower.

    The Hack: Use the Bank Loan to win the house fast. Use Pag-IBIG later to keep the monthly payments low.

  • Why the Logo Matters: The Economics of Branded Real Estate

    Why the Logo Matters: The Economics of Branded Real Estate

    It’s All Concrete. So Why Does the Brand Matter?

    You might see two townhouses side-by-side. One is built by a Top 10 Developer. The other is by a small “Pocket Developer.” The Pocket Developer unit is 500k cheaper. Should you buy it?

    The “Second Life” of the Asset

    Real estate isn’t just about living; it’s about selling. When you try to resell that property in 5 years:

    • The Big Brand: Banks will easily finance the new buyer. The title is trusted. The maintenance track record is public.
    • The Pocket Developer: Banks might be stricter on the appraisal. The roads might be deteriorating. The resale value lags.

    Auction Strategy

    At PropertyAuctions.ph, we see the data. Branded assets move faster and hold value longer. While we sell all types of reliable assets, we always advise: If the price gap is small, go with the Brand.

    Future-Proofing

    You aren’t just buying a house; you are buying the reputation of the company that built it.

  • The “Wow” Factor: Investing in Century Properties

    The “Wow” Factor: Investing in Century Properties

    Not for the Boring.

    Century Properties is famous for “Branded” real estate. Trump Tower. Versace Home (Milano). Paris Hilton (Azure). Missoni (Acqua). These buildings scream for attention.

    The Airbnb Magnet

    Because these buildings are visually stunning and have massive amenities (like man-made beaches), they are absolute killers on Airbnb. Tourists click on the photo of the “Beach in the City” (Azure) or the “Waterfall” (Acqua).

    The Auction Angle

    Sometimes, the “Pre-Selling” prices of these branded units were very high due to the marketing hype. Buying them at Auction/Secondary Market prices brings the cost down to reality, allowing you to enjoy the high rental demand without the inflated entry price.

    Design on a Discount

    Get the Versace look for a bank auction price.

  • The Unicorn: Finding a Rockwell Unit at Auction

    The Unicorn: Finding a Rockwell Unit at Auction

    The Definition of Premium.

    Rockwell Land is in a league of its own. It is widely considered the benchmark for property management, security, and community maintenance in the Philippines. Rockwell units almost never depreciate.

    The “Rare Bird”

    Because Rockwell owners are typically ultra-high net worth, defaults are rare. But when they do happen (usually due to asset liquidation or corporate restructuring), it creates a frenzy.

    • The Premier Tranche: You will almost always find these in our “Exclusive/Premier” list.

    The “Rockwell Premium”

    Even a 20-year-old Rockwell tower looks brand new. The property management is that good. This means you can buy an older “As-Is” unit, do a light interior renovation, and it will compete with brand new luxury launches priced 3x higher.

    The Ultimate Trophy

    If you see one, don’t blink. Bid.

  • The Right of Way: Why Robinsons Land Assets are Strategic Buys

    The Right of Way: Why Robinsons Land Assets are Strategic Buys

    Connected Living.

    Robinsons Land (RLC) has a knack for securing strategic locations. Many of their projects (Robinsons Residences) are either attached to a Robinsons Mall or sit directly on major transport arteries like EDSA or Pioneer.

    The “Gateway” Projects

    Look at Gateway Regency or Pioneer. These are transit-oriented developments. For the working class rental market, “One bus ride to work” is the biggest selling point.

    The Auction Math

    RLC units are practical workhorses. They aren’t always the flashiest, but they are occupancy machines. Buying one at auction allows you to enter the rental market at a price point that makes positive cash flow possible immediately.

    Practicality Pays

    No drama, just access. That’s the RLC promise.

  • The Quiet Giant: Finding Value in Filinvest Communities

    The Quiet Giant: Finding Value in Filinvest Communities

    Space to Breathe.

    Filinvest is known for maximizing land area. Look at Filinvest City in Alabang or Havila in Rizal. They prioritize green spaces, wide roads, and a relaxed atmosphere.

    The “Mid-Rise” Specialist

    Filinvest excels at “Oasis” style mid-rise condos (One Oasis, Sorrento Oasis).

    • The Appeal: Lower density. You aren’t fighting for the elevator with 40 floors of people.
    • The Auction Find: These units are fantastic for families who want condo security but hate the “cramped” feeling of a skyscraper.

    The CBD Alternative

    Filinvest City is a legitimate CBD that rivals Makati/BGC but often comes at a more accessible price point. Buying a foreclosure here is a bet on the continued growth of the South.

    Smart Growth

    Stable, spacious, and sensible. Filinvest assets are a solid hold.