If you’re thinking about settling down in a house and lot in Baguio City or other parts of the Philippines, you may be looking for the services of a real estate agent. However, not everyone who tries to sell you land or looks at properties is licensed to practice this profession.

When consulting a real estate agent in Baguio City, you need to make sure that they are qualified and not breaking the RESA Law. This protects you as a buyer and helps regulate practitioners of real estate services. But what is the RESA Law? How does it work?

Keep reading to find out more about the RESA Law to see if you’re working with a reputable real estate agent, assessor, or broker. With this simple info, you’ll be well-prepared when you consult someone for a home or condominium in Baguio City!
What Is The RESA Law?

Aka Republic Act No. 9646,  the RESA (Real Estate Service Act) Law was created to protect real estate professionals and prevent freelance illegal practices by “colorum” agents who work to evade paying commissions and taxes.
This law was introduced in 2009, and the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) is in charge of regulating the profession. To be eligible to practice real estate services, some may need licenses from the PRC depending on the kind of service.

Who are practitioners of real estate services?

According to Section 3 of the law, there are five kinds of practitioners of real estate services. They are:

• Real estate consultants
• Real estate appraisers
• Real estate assessors
• Real estate brokers
• Real estate salespersons

Consultants need a license and registration from the PRC, but salespersons need accreditation.

Consultant offer professional advice on acquiring, enhancing, preserving, utilizing, or disposing of land or any improvements upon it, according to the law. Appraisers perform services related to estimating property value. Assessors are hired by local government units like provinces and cities to assess the value of real property for tax purposes – this includes immovable properties like machinery.

Brokers act as agents – essentially middlemen - for parties negotiating real estate transactions, and they’re involved in things like the sale, mortgage, or lease of a real property.  Salespersons act on behalf of a broker to facilitate a transaction.
What Does The Law Prohibit?

The RESA Law prohibits people from practicing or offering to practice real estate service in the Philippines, or give the impression that they are a real estate practitioner or are otherwise qualified without passing the licensure exam given by the Board.

Who Are Exempted?

The following people are exempted from the accreditation, licensure, and registration requirements of the RESA Law:

• Those who own the real property, except for real estate developers (they are governed by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board)
• Those acting pursuant to court orders
• Those who are duly constituted attorneys and are authorized to negotiate the sale, mortgage, lease, or exchange of real estate
• Public officers who do these acts as part of their official duty (except the government assessor)
• Persons appointed as trustees for bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings

Ever wonder why a lot of people dream of having a house and lot in Baguio City?


It may be because of the weather the city offers – incomparable to the weather of the rest of the part of the Philippines, it wouldn’t be named as Summer Capital of the Philippines for nothing. It may also because of the scenic views and modest urban lifestyle – totally different from the quite chaotic lifestyle in the city.


Here are some of the reasons why there are a lot of people interested in investing in Baguio City.

1. One of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines

As it’s one of the most visited part in the country – it has also become a good hotspot for business opportunities – for real estate, food, and leisure activities.

1. Another way of diversifying your portfolio

Investing in real estate, especially in one of the famous cities in the Philippines, can diversify your portfolio and make up for losses you may incur in the future. It’s always safe to have a backup plan that can always provide you with possible passive income.

1. Apply for a financial support

Another good thing in investing in Baguio City is the opportunity to get financial support from property developers or the local government unit in the event that your current budget doesn’t match up with the asking price of a property.


Things to consider if you’re planning to buy a property in Baguio City
If you’re considering to buy a house or a condo in Baguio City, here are some tips you may take along the process of decision making:

• Try living in Baguio City for at least a month

This is to see if the lifestyle in the province suits the lifestyle you perceive to have if you’ll live here. You may rent a space and give yourself a chance to explore and learn about various things before deciding to live here – from the neighborhood, cost of living (e.g. pricing of goods and supplies, monthly bills, other expenses), to maintenance of a property.

• Find a good real estate agent in Baguio City

May it be purchasing or renting a real estate in Baguio City, it’s subject to the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, hence it’s the best decision to look for a real estate agent who’s well-rounded on property-related laws and has vast knowledge on the area especially if you’re buying a land or property for a specific purpose.

• Always consider the location where you’ll invest

Check if the area where you’ll invest is part of the geological hazards in Baguio City. Also consider how far you’d like to be in the downtown proper especially for those who’d purchase for business opportunities.


Often missed out, check if the road leading to your target place would be a concern – if it’ll cross a dirt road, you may encounter difficulties in crossing the area ever now and then especially during the rainy season. During your stay, you may also want to observe the transpiration available in the area.

• Don’t forget to check the water supply of your desired property

Once you’ve set yourself to a property, check if it has good water supply. If a house or property has zero water supply, there’s likely a chance that you’ll also have to set a budget for water delivery expenses on a monthly basis.

• Be financially prepared for other payments other than the total asking price

Definitely not the least, prepare your wallet other than the price tag of the property. You’ll need to pay a Capital Gains Tax, Documentary Stamp Tax, Transfer Tax, and Title Registration Fee among others once you’ve set your mind in buying a property in the area.


The Baguio City is a promising city to various investors. Before putting your hard earned money in your desired property, you may want to consider the tips provided and assess if you can financially manage your property in a long-term basis.

When looking to purchase a house and lot in Baguio City or other parts of the Philippines, buyers will need to familiarize themselves with the basic jargon and the requirements. This is crucial in the transfer of a title of ownership, as a title is seen as the best proof that someone owns a property. Further, failing to know and comply with the legal requirements of land transfer and ownership can have serious legal consequences.

Save yourself time and money and get familiar with the most basic questions that many potential land purchasers have. These will help you know what to look for and start filing, should you ever want a home or condominium in Baguio City.

Who Can Acquire And Own Land In The Philippines?

Filipino citizens and corporations that are at least 60% Filipino-owned may acquire land and have it registered in their names as their property. Real property may only be acquired and owned by foreigners in these limited exceptions:

• When it is bought by former natural-born Filipino citizens (ex: those who acquired citizenship in another country)
• When the purchase is of no more than 40% of a condominium project’s interests or units
• When the property is acquired via succession and the foreigner is a legal heir
• When the property was acquired by the foreigner prior to the 1935 Constitution

What Is A Certificate of Title?

A certificate of title is considered the best evidence that someone is an owner of the property that the title describes. A certificate of title will generally prevail over other evidence such as deeds of sale or tax declarations. There are two kinds of such certificates: an original certificate of title, and a transfer certificate of title.

What Are The Basic Requirements For Transfer Of A Land Title?

Make sure you prepare the following when you start transferring a title.

• The original copy of the deed of absolute sale of the property
• The owner’s duplicate copy of the TCT (Transfer Certificate of Title)
• The buyer and seller’s Tax Identification Numbers aka TINs
• Certified True Copies of the property’s latest tax declaration

Note that if the property that was sold and will be transferred is a vacant lot or a property with no improvements, instead of getting the latest tax declaration, you will need the Sworn Declaration of  No Improvement or Certificate of No Improvement.
What Is The Mother Title?

The mother title Is a property’s earliest registered title. It will include all the transactions that the property has undergone, such as inheritance, sale, and donation.

Learn More About Buying And Selling Land
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Thinking about becoming a property owner? Consult a real estate agent in Baguio City to get tips and tricks on how to have a smooth, speedy sale or purchase. With their help, you’ll get all the needed paperwork ready and prevent any delays so you can own your dream property!

Thinking of buying a condominium or house and lot in Baguio City? You may be ready to take this next step in your life, but you might also be worried about being able to make this purchase fit your budget. In this case, you may be exploring the possibility of paying for your house or condominium in Baguio City on an installment basis.

But before you sign a contract, you need to know your legal rights and obligations. Installment payments for property are regulated by the Maceda Law, aka R.A. 6552. Keep reading to find out more about this law, and how it can protect you when you have payment issues.

What Is The Maceda Law?

Named after ex-Senator Ernesto Maceda, the Maceda Law was designed to protect buyers from unfair conditions in a property sale. It lays down the rights of real estate buyers from conditions that are oppressive and onerous. As a matter of public policy, the law favors the side of the buyer if the seller or property developer acts unfairly.

What Does This Law Cover?

The Maceda Law protects two types of qualified buyers. The first type of buyers are those have paid at least two years of installments involving the sale of real estate properties on installment. Properties covered by this type include apartments, houses, and lots, residential condominiums, houses, and townhouses.
The second are those who have bought any of the properties mentioned above, but have paid less than two years’ worth of installments – their legal remedies and rights will be different.

You Have Legal Guarantees If You Fall Behind On Your Installments

If you default on your installments, you’re allowed to pay these unpaid and due installments within an earned grace period. Grace periods are fixed at the rate of an additional one-month grace period earned for every year that an installment payment made. This option is only allowed to be exercised by a buyer once every five years of the contract’s life.

If you’ve paid less than two years’ worth of installments, fret not! The law still grants you a grace period of no less than 60 days to pay the unpaid and due installments to the seller.

Talk To A Real Estate Agent In Baguio City For Advice

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your rights under the Maceda Law. There are other legal protections if you want to cancel the contract, or if you’re trying to avail of the grace period in a time of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about paying for your desired Baguio City property through installments, contact a real estate agent in Baguio to find out more. They’ll give you helpful tips on what you should do to enforce and protect your rights as a buyer, so you can enter a fair contract for the property of your dreams!

Because of its fresh breezes and pines, Baguio City is a popular destination for many travelers. The cool climate is an extra draw in the tropical heat of the Philippines – hence the moniker “the Summer Capital”. There’s plenty to see and do here, like enjoy the fresh local produce or stroll through its numerous parks. However, the local government has set restrictions on travelers to control the spread of COVID-19 in the city and contain transmission.

If you’re planning to move into a house and lot in Baguio, or you’re simply there for a weekend getaway, you need to follow the city’s safety guidelines related to COVID-19 and travel. Keep reading our short guide to find out everything you need to know!

Find Out If There Will Be Issues Traveling To And From Your Home

Even if you can be accommodated in Baguio City for your visit, you need to know the status of your own city and if traveling for leisure or business will be allowed. Check your local government unit’s guidelines for the current lockdown status and what documents you will need to bring to be able to go in and out of the city.

Check If Your Visit Will Be Accommodated On Your Specified Dates

Baguio City has also imposed a quota on how many tourists can enter the city per day. Make sure you can enter by creating an account on BAGUIO VISITA. You can schedule your trip there, submit your planned itinerary, and print QR code passes for yourself and anyone coming along for the trip. Always keep your pass ready, as locations can refuse to admit you if you don’t have it on hand!

It’s important to check if your chosen hotel, inn, or condo in Baguio City is allowed by the local government to lodge you. Look at BAGUIO VISITA’s list of accredited places and consult a real estate agent in Baguio City to see if your chosen place is on their list.

Vaccination Or Negative Test Results Are A Must

Visitors who are fully vaccinated or awaiting another dose should have their vaccination card from their local government unit ready, in case they are asked to produce it prior to entry in Baguio City. Those who are not Baguio residents need to register online and get their vaccination QR Passport to be allowed in.
If you’re not vaccinated, you can still enter Baguio City if you test negative for COVID-19 through a saliva, rapid antigen, or RT-PCR test.

Comply With Rules For A Worry-Free Stay
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While physical classes have yet to resume and some establishments have shuttered for public safety, Baguio remains a lively hub of tourism for nature enthusiasts and foreign travelers. Your compliance will protect yourself and others around you, so observe these rules and social distancing protocols for peace of mind!
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Not sure if these guidelines are the same before your visit? Look for updates on the BAGUIO VISITA website before you depart for your trip – and remember, a safe trip is a happy trip!

Known as an extremely popular destination in the Philippines, Baguio City has cast a spell on both local and foreign travelers. It’s no surprise that so many people are looking for a condo or a house and lot in Baguio City. With its chilly climate, imposing pine thickets, and incredible sights for the curious, there’s always something to see and do in the City of Pines.

But before you book a trip or start planning your big move to Baguio City, you should find out a few things! Baguio’s local government currently has several rules and regulations to control the spread of COVID-19. Keep reading to get more info about what you should do before packing your bags and hitting the road for Baguio City!

Prep Your Traveling Papers And Accommodations Ahead Of Time

To limit the potential transmission of COVID-19, the local government places daily restrictions on how many tourists can be allowed into the Summer Capital. Get a BAGUIO VISITA account ready so you can check if you and your companions can be granted entry into the city during your desired dates.

On the BAGUIO VISITA website, you will be required to schedule your visit and send your itinerary. Every listed visitor and their companion will have assigned QR Codes during their visit, which they must print and keep on them at all times as they move around Baguio City. Without a QR Code pass, you might be turned away from your desired spot, so don’t forget to print it out!

Looking for a hotel or condo in Baguio City to stay in? Best to check if they’re registered with BAGUIO VISITA as an approved accommodation. You can also ask a real estate agent in Baguio City to find out more about the property, if you’re looking at long-term stays!

Visitors Need To Prepare For Vaccination Or Testing Requirements

If you’re already fully vaccinated, that's a major weight off your shoulders. Non-residents need to register online and have their vaccination card ready. Then you have to get your vaccination QR (Quick Response) Passport, which will be verified at the Baguio Convention Center triage area.

If you’re not vaccinated yet, you can still enter Baguio City – however, you’ll need negative RT-PCR, rapid antigen, or saliva tests before you’ll be allowed in. These rules on entry and the required documents may change from time to time, so check the BAGUIO VISITA site before your trip to be sure.

Protect Everyone’s Safety By Following Protocol
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Apart from these requirements, visitors need to observe general social distancing, as well as wear a face mask and face shield at all times. After all, a safe stay is a great stay – and with these rules in place, you can enjoy your trip with zero fuss!
Visit Burnham Park, marvel at the BenCab museum, and enjoy Baguio’s famous strawberry taho. Your weekend getaway is possible if you remember these requirements. The city’s peaceful, nature-filled environment makes it worth the extra effort!

Baguio City is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines, and it’s no wonder with its cool climate, majestic pine trees, and numerous attractions. From Mines View Park to Camp John Hay, sights abound both for the lucky residents and excited travellers.

Whether you’re thinking of moving into a house and lot in Baguio City, or you’re just staying for an enchanting weekend, there are some things you need to remember for your stay. Because of the pandemic, the local government unit has imposed certain restrictions to keep Baguio City safe. Read on to find out more!

Book Accommodations Well In Advance

One of the rules that Baguio City imposes is a strict limit on the number of visitors into the city every day. To ensure that you will be accommodated during your desired period, you must first get a BAGUIO VISITA account ready.
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Visit the site to schedule your trip. You’ll also be required to send your itinerary. Every visitor also needs to print out a QR-coded tourist pass, so make sure that you have these ready for yourself and any companions joining you on your trip! This pass needs to be worn for the duration of your entire stay in Baguio City – so keep it on at all times or you may be turned away from the tourist spots you wanted to visit.
If you’re planning to stay in a hotel or condo in Baguio City, you need to see if your desired place is compliant with local government requirements. Check the BAGUIO VISITA site for the authorized list – you can use this to see whether or not your accommodations have been approved for visitors!

Vaccination And Testing Requirements For Visitors

Being fully vaccinated can make your entry into Baguio much easier. Non-residents need to register online even if they already have a vaccination card to present their status, so remember to accomplish this step! Then you have to get your vaccination QR (Quick Response) Passport, which will be verified at the Baguio Convention Center triage area. Faking your documents can result in criminal charges, so don’t be tempted into shortcuts!
Not vaccinated yet? No problem. You just need a negative RT-PCR, rapid antigen, or saliva test. Then you’re good to go! Don’t forget to regularly check the BAGUIO VISITA for updates to these rules, as they can change from time to time depending on the pandemic status in the country.

A Safer Trip Is A Better Trip!

Remember to comply with these rules as well as basic social distancing protocol to protect yourself and others around you during your stay. Now you’re all set for a fun trip to Baguio City! If you’re not sure where to stay, talk to a real estate agent in Baguio. They’ll know all the best places where you can rent or even buy property for a tranquil time in the City of Pines.

Few can resist the prospect of a trip to Baguio City, known by local and foreign tourists alike for its beautiful pine trees and cool climate. However, before you think about taking a short trip to Baguio – or relocating there – you need to know which documents to prepare and what steps to take.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the local government is taking steps to control movement in the Summer Capital and prevent the spread of the disease. Before talking to a real estate agent in Baguio about surveying potential rentals or purchases, read this quick update! This info will ensure that you have a smooth journey into the city with no worries!

Remember To Book In Advance – Guest Numbers Are Limited

Despite the pandemic, Baguio City has remained a popular destination for those aching to get away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. Because the local government wants to maintain social distancing protocols, they strictly limit the number of visitors allowed into the city every day.

The first thing you need to do is prepare a BAGUIO VISITA account, so you can schedule your trip. Through this site, you must send your itinerary, then print out a QR-coded tourist pass and your travel companions. Remember: you need to keep that pass on during your entire visit, because tourist spots will not allow you in without it!

Planning to stay in a hotel or rentable condominium in Baguio City? Check the rules on accommodations and if yours are compliant with the local government’s authorized list. The BAGUIO VISTA site has several links so you can check whether or not your chosen accommodations are approved.

Testing And Vaccination Requirements

As of now, there are no hard rules requiring vaccination cards for intra-city travel. However, it’s better to have yours on hand if you are already vaccinated, just so the local government is apprised of your status or the rules are suddenly changed while you’re mid-transit. Having a negative RT-PCR, rapid antigen, or saliva test will bring you a step closer to your visit to the City of Pines!

Currently quarantine and lockdown statuses differ between cities and provinces across the Philippines, so constantly check the BAGUIO VISTA site before you set off – just in case!

Comply With Rules For A Fuss-Free Trip!

Remember to have your face shield and face mask on at all times, and to maintain social distancing. As long as you observe Baguio City’s health and safety measures, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy yourself in this cool, tranquil city.

Whether you’re only planning to stay for a weekend, or already planning to permanently move to a house and lot in Baguio City, it’s good to stay well-informed of any changes to transportation and lockdown rules. But if you’re not sure where to start looking for a place to stay, talk to a real estate agent in Baguio! They’ll have the best tips for locating a rental or property for sale in a good location – for great prices too!

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination rollout continue, there are still many people who find the idea of renting or buying a house and lot in Baguio City irresistible. However, they may be unfamiliar with how to find a condominium in Baguio City, or how to make accommodation arrangements. They may also have some concerns about what they’ll need to prepare for their visit.

Read on to find out more about travel requirements in the Summer Capital. With these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to stroll through the City of Pines and enjoy its famous strawberry taho with no worries!

Baguio City Is Open For Tourists But Maintains Strict Protocols

Baguio City remains popular as a place for tourists to cool off or for putting down roots because of its many attractions. The cool weather and closeness to nature are frequently cited as reasons for coming to the Summer Capital.

If you’re thinking of going to Baguio, you need to prepare a BAGUIO VISITA account to schedule your trip, as Baguio allows only a limited number of visitors every day. You’ll also have to send your itinerary, and have a QR-coded tourist pass on during your visit. Don’t forget to check if your accommodations are authorized by Baguio’s local government unit. There’s a link on the BAGUIO VISTA site where you can stay with zero fuss.

If you’re vaccinated, bring your vaccination card in case it will be required by the authorities. Preparing proof of vaccination or have a negative RT-PCR, rapid antigen, or saliva test will bring you a step closer to enjoying your Baguio visit.
Because of the recent declaration of new quarantine statuses in different Philippine cities and regions, there may be changes to rules from your barangay of origin and to Baguio’s protocols. Visit the BAGUIO VISITA site to get updates.

Remember To Observe Health And Safety Rules

If you’re lucky enough to be fully vaccinated, you’ll still need to observe the basic safety protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Baguio City. You’ll be barred from entry in tourist locations if you’re not wearing a face mask and face shield, so don’t forget to pack those for your trip!

Don’t forget to maintain the recommended social distance of at least 2 meters from other people – and of course, the more distance, the better. Staying in well-ventilated areas is also a plus – which makes staying in breezy Baguio City a plus!
Follow These Rules And Enjoy Your Stay
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We all want to enjoy a glimpse of Mines View Park or buy Good Shepherd’s delicious homemade sweets – and we can, as long as we follow these requirements. Talk to accredited tourist accommodations or a real estate agent in Baguio City, if you’re planning a short trip or to reside there permanently. They’ll have plenty of tips about finding the right place to stay, no matter how much time you plan to spend in the City of Pines.

Local travelers to Baguio City may be curious about the COVID-19 status of the City of Pines; indeed, some of the common questions that prospective tourists ask include if they can rent a condo in Baguio City for their stay, or how well the local government has been able to maintain control over the spread of the coronavirus.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can still enjoy a stay in easy-breezy Baguio City! We’ll fill you in on travel requirements, and what you may need to present before booking a stay.

The IATF Is Adjusting Protocols For Vaccinated Visitors

Back when vaccination rollout had barely begun, visitors were required to submit a negative RT-PCR, rapid antigen, or saliva test to be admitted into Baguio City. But just recently, the IATF has allowed intrazonal travel for fully vaccinated individuals without requiring testing before or upon arrival in another city or province.

This requirement is waived if the vaccinated person can present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card, or a certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder’s completed vaccination status, issued by the Bureau of Quarantine.

Intrazonal travel means movement inside an area under the same set of quarantine rules. For example, travel within Metro Manila is considered intrazonal travel. IATF guidelines define a “fully vaccinated individual” as someone who is at least two weeks past having received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or at least two weeks past having received a single-dose vaccine.

The vaccine used should be included in the country's Emergency Use Authorization List, have a Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) issued by PDEA, or be on the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing.

You Still Need To Schedule Your Visit And Submit Your Itinerary

While these relaxed requirements for vaccinated people will be a huge relief – not to mention more convenient – visitors still need to submit to Baguio’s other requirements for travelers.
This means creating a BAGUIO VISITA account, scheduling your trip and sending your itinerary, and keeping a QR-coded tourist pass on during your stay.

Baguio City Still Maintains Strict Distancing And Safety Protocols

Despite the pandemic, many people are looking forward to purchasing a house and lot in Baguio City for permanent residence, or simply booking a trip for a spell in the refreshingly cool weather of the Summer Capital. The secret to Baguio’s enduring popularity is its many accessible tourist attractions, providing urban comfort while allowing visitors and residents to get close to nature.

Go to the BAGUIO VISITA site to find out more about the changes in protocol and what you’ll need to do for your stay. Once you’ve prepared proof of vaccination or have a negative test, you’re one step closer to enjoying a cozy visit – or even a cozy forever home, if you’re looking for a real estate agent in Baguio to help you settle into the city.
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Just remember that even if restrictions have been changed and the local government is working to control the case numbers, you should also do your part to stay safe. Keep your distance, wear a mask and shield, and you can still have a good, safe time in Baguio City!