”Sutaa" is a deep Bisaya word which means "to carefully verify". At Sutaa Assist, we specialize in empowering real estate investors with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed and prudent property purchase decisions. Through our comprehensive due diligence service, we provide investors with transparent deal knowledge that demystifies the complexities of real estate transactions. Our approach includes equipping investors with clear, transparent deal level of actionable insights, ensure that every property purchase is a well-informed, strategic move that aligns with their long-term investment objectives of the investor. However, it’s crucial to note that while we provide the necessary tools and information, the ultimate responsibility for decision-making lies with the investor himself.

We distinguishes ourselves through the exceptional experience and expertise with an impressive background, having worked in two of the top banks in the Philippines. This includes over 6 years of in-house real estate appraisal and credit investigation experience, providing our clients with a deep understanding of local market dynamics and risk assessment. In addition, we bring a global perspective with over 10 years of experience in Japan, specializing in Foreign Bank Agency Services, particularly in remittance processing and financial advisory. This blend of local and international expertise allows us to offer comprehensive real estate services that cater to both domestic and foreign clients, ensuring that our advice is both well-informed and strategically sound. Our commitment to excellence and client-focused approach ensures you receive tailor-made solutions designed to meet your specific needs.

Sutaa Assist provides a comprehensive range of real estate services, leveraging our strong connections with licensed professionals in the Philippines. Whether you need expertise in financial advice, business development, or market entry strategies, our network of seasoned professionals ensures that you receive authoritative and reliable guidance. These experts are not only credentialed but also bring a deep understanding of the local context, regulatory environment, and industry-specific challenges, making your consulting experience both insightful and actionable.

At Sutaa Assist, our Property Due Diligence process is a thorough and systematic approach designed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of property-related transactions. Our process includes the following steps: 1. Initial Consultation We begin with an initial consultation to understand the client's needs and objectives regarding the property in question. 2. Document Review Our team carefully examines all available relevant documents, mainly land title, tax declaration, zoning certificates, and any existing leases or contracts associated with the property. 3. Site Inspection A comprehensive site inspection is vital for us to assess the physical condition of the property. This includes checking for any structural issues, environmental concerns, social factors, and compliance with local regulations. 4. Financial Analysis We evaluate the financial viability of the property by analyzing market trends, comparable property values, and potential return on investment. 5. Legal Compliance: Our legal experts ensure that the property complies with all local laws and regulations, identifying any potential legal issues that could affect the transaction. 6. Risk Assessment We identify and assess any potential risks associated with the property, providing our clients with a clear understanding of any potential pitfalls. 7. Final Report Upon completing our due diligence, we provide a detailed report summarizing our findings and recommendations signed by professionals , enabling our clients to make informed decisions. By following this comprehensive due diligence process, Sutaa Assist ensures that our clients have a clear and accurate understanding of the property, minimizing risks and maximizing the potential for a successful transaction.

Property due diligence is a comprehensive assessment process that ensures a clear understanding of the condition, value, and legal standing of a property before any transaction is finalized. At Sutaa Assist, this involves evaluating various aspects such as environmental concerns, structural integrity, zoning regulations, and potential liabilities. Our detailed due diligence process mitigates risks by identifying possible issues that could affect the property's value or usability, enabling our clients to make informed decisions backed by thorough analysis. This proactive approach is crucial for ensuring a secure investment and providing peace of mind for our clients.

At Sutaa Assist, we understand the complexities of real estate transactions, and one common point of confusion is the difference between property purchase price and market value. The purchase price is the amount you actually pay for the property, as agreed upon in the contract between the buyer and the seller. It's the final negotiated price that both parties settle on. On the other hand, the market value is an estimated amount that a knowledgeable, willing, and unpressured buyer would likely pay, and a willing and unpressured seller would likely accept, in an open and competitive market. This value is typically assessed by real estate professionals or appraisers based on various factors including location, condition of the property, and current market conditions. Understanding this distinction is crucial because while the purchase price is specific to your transaction, the market value influences financing, insurance, and future sale prospects. At Sutaa Assist, we specialize in providing detailed market analyses to help you make well-informed property decisions. Whether you’re buying or selling, our goal is to ensure that you understand all aspects of your transaction fully.

At Sutaa Assist, we define a purchase cost as the total costs and fees associated with purchasing a property. We may also called it a "closing cost". This may includes initial price or the property, appraisal fees, inspection fees, tax, and other related cost in property purchase.

The After Repair Value (ARV) of a property is an estimated value that a property is expected to have after all planned renovations and repairs are completed. This is a critical metric in the real estate and investment sectors, as it helps investors determine the potential profitability of a property. At Sutaa Assist, we specialize in conducting thorough market analyses and property assessments to accurately calculate the ARV. This involves evaluating comparable properties in the area, understanding the scope of necessary repairs, and considering current market trends. By providing a precise ARV, we assist our clients in making informed investment decisions, whether they are buying, selling, or renovating properties.

We define Total Cash Needed in our property analysis as the sum of all initial financial inputs required to successfully acquire and prepare a property for investment. For with financing options, it is the sum of loan downpayment, purchase costs, and rehab costs. For without financing option, it is the sum of the purchase price, purchase costs, and rehab costs. By taking these various expenses into account, we ensure that our clients have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the financial commitment required for their investment, allowing them to make well-informed decisions.

Rehab costs refer to the estimated expenses involved in renovating or repairing a property to bring it up to market standards. These costs can include structural repairs, cosmetic upgrades, system replacements, and compliance with local building codes. Our thorough approach ensures that all potential costs are identified upfront, providing our clients with a clear and detailed financial picture before they commit to a property investment. This empowers our clients to make informed decisions, minimize unexpected expenses, and maximize their return on investment.

The 1% rule in property analysis is a guideline often used by real estate investors to identify potential rental properties that could be profitable. According to this rule, a property is considered a good investment if the monthly rental income is at least 1% of the property's purchase price. For example, if a property is priced at Php 5,000,000, the monthly rent should be at least Php 50,000 to meet the 1% rule. While useful as a preliminary screening tool, it's important to consider other property analysis metrics and other important factors such as location, property condition, and broader market trends. At Sutaa Assist, we specialize in helping clients navigate these nuances to make informed investment decisions.

The 2% rule in Real Estate analysis is a guideline used by investors to quickly evaluate the profitability of a rental property. According to this rule, a property is generally considered a good investment if the monthly rental income is at least 2% of the purchase price. For example, if you purchase a property for Php 5,000,000, the rule suggests that your monthly rental income should be at least Php 100,000. At Sutaa Assist, we specialize in helping clients apply this and other real estate investment principles to maximize their returns. Our experts provide tailored analysis and advice, assist in identifying suitable properties that meet the 2% rule, and offer ongoing support to ensure your investment objectives are achieved. We leverage our extensive market knowledge and analytical tools to guide you through every step of the investment process, making sure you make informed and profitable decisions.

The 70% rule is a widely-used guideline in property investment that helps investors determine the maximum price they should pay for a property to ensure a profitable return. The rule states that an investor should not pay more than 70% of the after-repair value (ARV) of a property minus the cost of necessary repairs. This is applicable for house flips and BRRRRs. For example, if a property's ARV is Php10,000,000 and it requires Php 1,500,000 in repairs, an investor following the 70% rule would not pay more than Php 5,500,000 for the property (calculated as Php10,000,000 * 70% - Php 1,500,000). Although we leverage the 70% rule to provide our clients with precise and actionable advice for their property investments, we also use other analysis metrics for your property help clients minimize risk and maximize profitability in their real estate ventures. Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned real estate professional, Sutaa Assist's expertise in applying the 70% rule can significantly enhance your investment strategy.

The 50% Rule is a shorthand used by real estate investors to estimate the expenses involved in operating a rental property. According to this rule, you should expect that approximately 50% of your rental income will be consumed by operating expenses, not including mortgage payments. These expenses typically cover maintenance, property management, insurance, taxes, utilities, and other regular costs. At Sutaa Assist, we specialize in consulting services that help you navigate complex real estate investments. We provide tailored advice to ensure you're implementing the 50% Rule correctly by examining your property's unique characteristics, market conditions, and potential hidden costs. We will offer insights and strategies to optimize your investments, ensuring you have a clear understanding of where your money is going and how to maximize your returns. By leveraging our expertise, you can make informed decisions and mitigate risks effectively.

We often get inquiries from foreign nationals interested in investing in real estate in the Philippines, particularly in condominiums or townhouses. While foreign ownership in land is restricted under Philippine law, foreign nationals are allowed to own condominium units, subject to certain conditions. According to the Philippine Condominium Act (Republic Act No. 4726), foreign nationals can own condominium units, provided that the ownership does not exceed 40% of the total and aggregate interest in the condominium project. This means that, while an individual foreigner can own a unit, the total foreign ownership in the entire condominium development cannot surpass 40%. Additionally, it's crucial for foreign buyers to ensure that the condominium corporation allowing such ownership is compliant with the legal requirements.

At Sutaa Assist, we understand that navigating property ownership laws can be complex, especially for foreign investors. As per Philippine law, foreigners are generally not allowed to own land in the country. However, there are specific exceptions and alternative options available. A foreigner can inherit land if it is passed down from a legal spouse or parent who is a Filipino citizen. Another common practice is forming a domestic corporation with a Filipino partner, where foreign ownership is capped at 40%. We highly recommend to consider the provisions of the "Anti-Dummy Law" of the Philippines to determine how to proceed with this option.

Yes, a corporation can own land in the Philippines, but there are specific legal restrictions in place. According to Philippine law, particularly the 1987 Philippine Constitution, only corporations that are at least 60% Filipino-owned are allowed to acquire private lands in the country. This means that the majority of the corporation's shares must be owned by Filipino citizens in order for the corporation to legally own land.

RA 7652, also known as the Investors' Lease Act, is a legislative measure that provides favorable conditions for foreign nationals looking to lease land for investment purposes in the Philippines. Key provisions under this Act include: 1. Lease Duration: Foreign investors are allowed to lease private lands for an initial period of up to 50 years, which can be renewed once for an additional 25 years. This extended lease term provides significant stability and long-term security for foreign investments. 2. Legal Security: The Act ensures that lease agreements are legally binding and enforceable, offering foreign nationals assurances against arbitrary lease terminations and legal disputes. 3. Economic Zones: Lease agreements are often more favorable in designated economic zones, where investors may also benefit from additional fiscal and non-fiscal incentives such as tax breaks and simplified import/export procedures. 4. Investment Protections for flexible use of leased land: Provisions within the Act include measures to protect the investments of foreign nationals from expropriation or confiscation, which secures their assets and enhances investment confidence. The law permits foreign investors to use leased land for a wide range of business activities, including industrial, commercial, residential, and educational purposes, fostering diverse investment opportunities.

Philippine taxation law significantly affects real estate transactions. Real property sales are subject to taxes like the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Documentary Stamp Tax (DST). The seller usually pays the 6% CGT, while the buyer covers the 1.5% DST. Additionally, the buyer must pay a Transfer Tax (0.5%-0.75%) to the local government and an annual Real Property Tax based on assessed value.

Yes. Some banks have initiatives where qualified applicants can open selected accounts through public events. We recommend contacting your preferred bank directly to confirm your eligibility and specific requirements.

At Sutaa Assist, we understand that selecting the right type of loan is crucial for your real estate investments. Amortizing loans and interest-only loans are two common types of financing options, each with distinct characteristics. An amortizing loan requires you to make regular payments that cover both the interest and a portion of the principal balance. Over the life of the loan, these payments gradually reduce the principal amount until the loan is fully paid off. This structure provides the benefit of building equity in the property over time as your outstanding balance decreases with each payment. Conversely, an interest-only loan allows you to pay only the interest on the loan for a specified period, typically 5 to 10 years. During this period, your monthly payments will be significantly lower compared to an amortizing loan. However, after the interest-only period ends, you will either need to start making much larger payments that cover both principal and interest, refinance the loan, or pay off the principal in a lump sum. This type of loan can be beneficial for investors who are expecting significant income growth or a property value increase but also poses a higher risk due to the deferred principal repayment. Choosing between an amortizing loan and an interest-only loan depends on your financial situation, investment strategy, and risk tolerance.