buying a real property in the Philippines.?

To start with forget everything you know about deeds and land titles.

Secondly Land fraud is so common here it should be listed as a national pastime. (no kidding).

Last but not least I would need to send you an e mail listing all the procedures and things to watch out for buying land here.

But basically if she is buying a subdivision plot, generally most are reputable with some exceptions main things are:

1. Is your mom a Philippine Citizen ? If not she cannot own land here period. Foreigners cannot own land here, only condo's.

2. You need to actually see the subdivision. If it's less than 50% occupied there is a good chance it will fail and the property will be worth less than half of what you paid for it. Look for things like an existing clubhouse, tennis courts or other ammenties. Most promise that and have nice broshures showing big clubhouses and swimming pools etc. If it's not there when you buy the lot, chances are less than 50/50 they ever will be.

3. It literaly takes years to get a case in court for land fraud. That is providing they just don't run away and move to another part of the Philippines with your money.

4. If everything is legit, it should take aprox 8 weeks to get the "deed of absolute sale". The seller pays capital gains tax and any back property tax at closing. They also pay the 3-5 % real estate brokers fee. The buyer pays the title transfer fees.

5. We are just now resolving a court case in which our family lawyer withheld the deed of sale from us for 7 years becuase his partner pawned our lot !

Buying property outside of a subdivision has allot more pitfalls and there are many things that have to be done here differantly when building a home.