It might seem like a simple gesture—tying a tarp to a gate, securing a corner with rope, and making sure the number is visible from the road. But when that “FOR SALE” sign finally goes up, it marks more than just visibility.

It marks your commitment.

From that point forward, your property is no longer just a listing. It’s already a product on the market seen by everyone—buyers, agents, speculators, and so on.

Selling your property? Here's what you should prepare for:

✔️ All paperworks must be ready.

This includes the Title, Tax Declaration—both of the lot and the improvement, Tax Clearances, Special Power of Attorney (if applicable), Verified Tax Identification Numbers (TIN), and updated government IDs. Buyers and brokers will ask for it early for their due diligence—and delays here can cost time and can cost you the deal.

But take note: As a property owner, you are not required to freely hand out these important documents, even hard or digital copies of these to any potential buyer and agent you will meet. Only provide these once you have secured a formal offer or intent to purchase. And make sure you are dealing with a reputable agent and sincere buyer.

✔️ The pricing must be intentional.

Buyers and their agents will compare your property the moment they see the sign and get interested. Is this a good property to buy? What’s the selling price of this? Can I have the details of this? In today’s digital landscape, doing research and comparing property values is as simple as going to Facebook Marketplace or your go-to listing platforms like Lamudi, Carousell, and Hoppler. There are times when you don't even have to go to the site because drone shots, videos, and photos are readily available upon request. If your property is overpriced, it doesn’t just sit—it gets ignored. The moment you list your property and post your price, make sure that it’s the price you are willing to take—it might even be lower when negotiations come. But don’t use this to bait future buyers and fish for an even bigger offer. Worse part here? It conditions future buyers and even agents in the industry to think you’re not serious.

"If your property overpriced, it doesn’t just sit—it gets ignored."

✔️ Site conditions must be sale-ready.

It may not always be sunny and sometimes, viewing requests happen instantaneously. So, make sure that your property is not only welcoming but has clear pathways, defined boundaries especially for vacant lots, presentable in all areas, and has secure access. First impressions are formed in seconds and getting comfortable in the property is equally important. If a buyer can’t even find the gate and the correct address, you don't have the right keys, the doors don't open properly, the proper endorsements are not handled well, interests start to erode and questions about the property and the deal start to linger.

✔️ You must be open to negotiate.

Once that sign is up, expect inquiries. There may be tens or hundreds of inquiries and they often don’t come in neat, scheduled appointments. But that’s the whole point of putting up the sign. Be ready to review offers, clarify terms and conditions, and make decisions fast—because serious buyers won’t wait long and they talk to a lot of brokers, too. Yes, you will not always have the time to respond to inquiries and that is where I come in as your real estate broker. In your behalf, I do the initial review of the offer, coordinate with the buyer or their agent, and tell you what I think about the deal. And like I said, we may not always get the price we want but if we are open to negotiations then we will make it a winning situation to all the parties involved.

"There may be tens or hundreds of inquiries and they often don’t come in neat, scheduled appointments."

PRO TIP: Once the sign is up, be sure you are well prepared—to sell, to negotiate, and to deliver. The clock starts ticking from that moment on.

If you're thinking of listing your property soon, let’s talk strategy. I’ll help you price it right, prep it well, and position it to sell—not just be seen.

Signing out,

Ralph Ocampo, REB

Licensed Real Estate Broker
PRC No. 0033206

+63917 650 0297