gonta
Canadian expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
30
Contacts
1
About me
Canadian
Lives in las pinas
Registration: 22 October 2012
Build or Buy a house? by 66stryker66
My wife and I both US Citizen (but planning to get dual citizenship) is planning to retire in 3yrs or less at age 58. Also coming with us is my mother. I made up my mind to go back home in Davao, I am planning to either build a house or buy in Eden ...
Yup. Read More
Build or Buy a house? by 66stryker66
My wife and I both US Citizen (but planning to get dual citizenship) is planning to retire in 3yrs or less at age 58. Also coming with us is my mother. I made up my mind to go back home in Davao, I am planning to either build a house or buy in Eden ...
I just realized you were the one asking about purchasing a condo from the us. Be very very careful. And do not buy sight unseen unless it is a top quality developer like Ayala. But you are looking at top dollar as all your fellow residents will be ... Read More
Build or Buy a house? by 66stryker66
My wife and I both US Citizen (but planning to get dual citizenship) is planning to retire in 3yrs or less at age 58. Also coming with us is my mother. I made up my mind to go back home in Davao, I am planning to either build a house or buy in Eden ...
Haha thanks. But I haven鈥檛 really designed it yet. But it鈥檚 going to be small, minimalistic and easy to build. And easy to close up as I don鈥檛 want too many hassles and we shall only be living in it for 5 or 6 months a year. ... Read More
Build or Buy a house? by 66stryker66
My wife and I both US Citizen (but planning to get dual citizenship) is planning to retire in 3yrs or less at age 58. Also coming with us is my mother. I made up my mind to go back home in Davao, I am planning to either build a house or buy in Eden ...
I鈥檓 a Canadian retired architect and plan on building with my Filipina wife. I have investigated and it seems the cost of construction in the Philippines is anywhere between 20,000 to 25,000. /m2. This will give you a pretty good idea.. I am ... Read More
Where to find trustworthy Maids? by drealee08
Hi guys! Do you have any ideas on where I can find trustworthy maids? No contractual obligation? Thank you :)
It helps if you give your location. Read More
How to sell a condo? by gonta
For personal reasons I need to return to Canada. I have a beautiful condo for sale ( I'm a retired architect). My problem is I can't find anyone with any integrity/professionalism to handle the sale. I've talked to a few brokers ...
Hi - hmmmm not sure how I get the pm. Read More
How to sell a condo? by gonta
For personal reasons I need to return to Canada. I have a beautiful condo for sale ( I'm a retired architect). My problem is I can't find anyone with any integrity/professionalism to handle the sale. I've talked to a few brokers ...
Sorry for late reply. You can see my condo listed in the housing for sale under the title "beautiful condo for sale". It is Excuse the pics upside down as this is the way they uploaded?! I don't know why. I guess there is no editing ... Read More
How to sell a condo? by gonta
For personal reasons I need to return to Canada. I have a beautiful condo for sale ( I'm a retired architect). My problem is I can't find anyone with any integrity/professionalism to handle the sale. I've talked to a few brokers ...
Hi Dinky - what types of social media do you suggest? YouTube? Any others - I'm not exactly a social media expert. I have a cleaning lady who would show the unit and I have a personal friend who is a lawyer to handle all the legals. Read More
How to sell a condo? by gonta
For personal reasons I need to return to Canada. I have a beautiful condo for sale ( I'm a retired architect). My problem is I can't find anyone with any integrity/professionalism to handle the sale. I've talked to a few brokers ...
The interesting thing about the Philippines is nothing is ever easy and straight forward here. I uploaded my description in the housing section along with the maximum three pictures. But later when I went to check if the ad was there it was WITHOUT ... Read More
Retirement Budget and Business Plan, advice please! by dimplesz14
Hi there, just wondering what would be a good business if you have 100K? We plan to retire back home in a year or two. We saved but still need a way to sustain our daily needs. Also, can anyone give us a rundown of daily or monthly expenses (minus ...
I think the best advice I can give you is this. And I'm assuming both you and your husband are returning Filipinos. Correct? If that's the case you first decide where you want to live - once you have the area move there and keep your eyes ... Read More
How much will it cost to build a house? by dimplesz14
Hi there, please advice - we're wondering how much would it cost to build a 120sqm house with 3-4BR and 2BA (bungalow/ranch style) doesn't need to be expensive but decent/strong enough materials to live for many many years. I just want to ...
Oh another thing you can do is - when you have decided where you want to live ask some of the homeowners in the area how much their house cost and who did the construction. If you ask 3 people and get 3 answers you have a pretty good idea of what ... Read More
How much will it cost to build a house? by dimplesz14
Hi there, please advice - we're wondering how much would it cost to build a 120sqm house with 3-4BR and 2BA (bungalow/ranch style) doesn't need to be expensive but decent/strong enough materials to live for many many years. I just want to ...
As a retired architect I agree somewhat with the post above. However, if you do not have at least a conceptual plan the contractors can only give you an order of magnitude quote - which will probably be 2 or 3 times what the actual cost would ... Read More
How to sell a condo?
For personal reasons I need to return to Canada. I have a beautiful condo for sale ( I'm a retired architect). My problem is I can't find anyone with any integrity/professionalism to handle the sale. I've talked to a few brokers ... Read More
Land And House Ownership Certificate
I can confirm the above is correct. The hard part is finding a decent lawyer. Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
You have absolutely the thickest skin I have ever seen. Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Haha I see down below 322 responses for annulment. Popular theme in Philippines! Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
That's ok we all have our mad moments Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Dear mad - what's your point? Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Well professor - let's not get into theoretical definitions here. This is the Philippines and nothing is as it appears or should be. Now which of the ownerships are you going to give the relatives of your ex wife who want to literally kick your ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
A slight correction in your analysis. First of all in any condo development the majority of the units must be owned by Filipinos. Look up the percentage - from my failing memory it is around 70%. So it is not foreigners who are paying these very ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Maybe the talk was a change to the constitution. I don't know but for sure there will never be straight ownership of land everywhere. I can see this international village concept happening. Considering the number of Koreans here and moving here ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Just one other piece of advice. If you buy land and a house whether by corporation or straight under wife's name you are gambling. And you know what they say about gambling? Only gamble what you can afford to lose. If you sink your savings into ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
No you were clear its my problem with reading comprehension. Sorry about that.馃槉 But I have heard where the government is allowing what are called international villages where foreigners are allowed to own the land. Exactly where these are I ... Read More
Norway Fianc茅 visa got denied- think of getting married in philippines by olalev
Hello I am Levie, i just want adviced for my situation. I am here in norway , i applied for fiance visa last year and we waited for 12 months to got the answer and it was denied because of missing document. We re-appeal and the udi accepted it but ...
I really think the reason you got denied (but not stated) is that you are not married yet - only his fianc茅. There is not a developed country in the world that will give a filipina a visa if only a fianc茅. Get married - it doesn't ... Read More
Problems for expats buying a house and lot by Aussie Engraver
The requirement that your Filipino wife owns the land you buy for your house and lot is well known. I think it's a good idea - unlike here in Australia where huge amounts of real estate are owned by foreign people. BUT - How can the husband ...
Good luck to you mate. I do not believe for a second the post above that states a foreigner can own land if he lives on it for x number of months. I do believe that a corporation can be done but as stated above the best you can hope for is 40%. I ... Read More
Legal question regarding realestate purchase in Mindanao? Any legal ? by Wimbleton
We purchased a property 6 months ago and the owner did not complete a small part of the contract . we have held back some funds until he accepts a partial payment of money withheld . The lawyer who wrote the contract is hopeless and wont do anything ...
I have just gone through hell with real estate lawyers - getting clear title etc. so I think I have a few words of advice to you. First of all a question - what do you possess that clearly indicates you have paid in full - minus the 1000? This ... Read More
Wanting advice on moving from Australia to Philippines by AussieDaz
Hi I'm 42 years old and am looking for a major change in life Have been think of going to Philippines for 6 months to see if I like it there and if I do plan on moving there. Few questions I have 1. Where is the best place to live? (Safe and ...
I am an expat and have been living in the Philippines for 7 years. Some of the advice I'm going to give you I learned the hard way. But first the budget - of course, like others have posted it depends on your lifestyle and taste. Personally, I ... Read More
any advice on geting my legal title for my condo by gonta
`Greetings to all you wiser than I expats. I have a problem. I purchased a condo unit in Las Pinas near SM South Mall 5 years ago. I bought it unfinished as I am a retired architect so I wanted to finish it myself to my taste. The ...
haha!! I know what you are thinking............."another dumb assed expat!!" Well you are right!! Read More
any advice on geting my legal title for my condo
`Greetings to all you wiser than I expats. I have a problem. I purchased a condo unit in Las Pinas near SM South Mall 5 years ago. I bought it unfinished as I am a retired architect so I wanted to finish it myself to my taste. The ... Read More