We (my Filipino husband and I), found a subdivision that was building homes in our price range. We lived across the street in a townhouse while they built it so we could oversee the work being done. My husband handled most of the negotiations, etc...

 

Really? ... Do I qualify? I used to be called Patrick but changed it by Deed Poll.

 

Yes, but most of the deeds we are talking about are like shark fins

 

Obviously, there are many good ways to find a house to buy. Whether you find one strolling through a neighbourhood, or being told by a friend, or find it online or with the help of a broker, basically it doesn't really matter.
What matters is to find a well built house that suits your needs, in a location that is agreeable to you / your partner, and that you get a good deal (price and clean paperwork).
Prospective buyers should be careful though, especially in a property market like Dumaguete, where some offers are (seriously) overpriced.

We got rather lucky, finding a good house in a nice neighbourhood much quicker than I imagined.
My advice would be to use whatever ways you can to find a nice property for sale, and bring your checklist when you go view it.
Don't "fall in love" with a house to the extent that you end up overpaying.
If you think the house will need changes/updating, get expert advice on the cost of that before buying.
If the house is not structurally sound, give it a pass. Get advice if unsure.
Speak with the neighbours (flooding, noise, trash burning).
Get informed about the home owners association (monthly dues) if the house is in a subdivision.
Get your own capable real estate lawyer that you pay to do the paperwork. Ask around if you're unsure.

 

It is all good advice and much appreciated.

There are many threads with advice on buying property here so I tried to dedicate this thread to what people actually did when actually buying a particular property. The "old actions speak louder" . . adage.

So any comments on exactly how you found your property and exactly what caused you to "pull the trigger" in your specific circumstances would be most helpful, but perhaps you already did that by voting in the poll?

We members cannot see who voted what response (can we?) but it looks like "boots on the ground" and wandering around the area you want to be in to see what is for sale is currently in the number one spot. Hope we get lots more responses to see if it stays that way.

 

I selected a builder and told him he has to find me the "right" lot if he wants me to hire him. 7 years ago last month we selected the lot. 1/2 kilometer up the hill from the highway in Bacong. At the time the street was a dirt road (paved road ended 100mtrs from my house, only secondary Noreco power, couldn't even use the microwave). However, we were promised the road would be paved soon and Noreco would install their power polls and we would get primary power(took a long 6 mos.). Given that status, we were able to get the lot at a very good price and soon the lot was cleared and construction started. I am trying to sell it now to downsize.

 

just talk to the natives around here, nearly everybody is a "real estate agent" and knows something - never purchase any property without help from an attorney, it's worth the money conc. all the issues here with title problems, road right of way etc - and just a friendly remark for all people who let their wife / gf handle a transaction: even she will add secretly a million or anything to the original sales price, for her own commission and the benefit of the family; just because you are so rich, Mr. foreigner

 

I must have really got lucky, as I agree with all you said, except the part above. In the past (almost) 9 years I would have to say she is anything but typical of what so many have told me regards the women here. However; those I left behind (in Oz) is altogether another story...