New Task Force to Crack Down on Real Estate Scams

Scams can be rampant in practically every industry, but getting scammed out of a home just hits harder. After all, you are spending millions on something you’re about to call home.

The government is doing its part to eliminate scams and malpractices in the real estate industry with the creation of the Anti-Illegal Real Estate Service Practices Interagency Task Force.

A joint memorandum circular forming the new task force was recently signed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), together with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

DHSUD is set to lead the group, with DILG and DOJ sitting as the co-chairs. Other organizations such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Land Registration Authority and Philippine National Police will also assist in the partnership.

The joint circular will also be coming up with new policies and regulations and countermeasures against malpractices and negligence in the prosecution of regulations-related offenses. This group hopes to make the authentication of property titles and ownership more efficient and less tedious, too. 

This new endeavor should help improve and align efforts against illegal activities in the housing sector. The partnership is geared towards the protection of homebuyers, cleaning up dishonest real estate practices, and imposing tougher penalties for swindlers and scammers. Licensed brokers and real estate developers are also protected under DHSUD’s mandate.

Read: Three Benefits of Buying a Home With the Help of an Agent

The DHSUD has consistently warned the public of bogus brokers since December 2020. This came after the NBI and DHSUD reported that four suspected real estate scammers engaging in illegal property transactions were caught in Cavite. Any illegal practice violates Presidential Decree 957. Any violator of its provisions and regulations may be fined and/or imprisoned. 

Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario stresses the importance of this new task force. He points out that thousands of property buyers are getting scammed each year.

Ohmyhome supports the new task force in its efforts. We encourage buyers to be more vigilant and mindful of who they transact with, as well. Whether they’re buying or selling, they should always ask for certified documents and official registration. In Ohmyhome’s case, each property agent is certified, so that clients can trust that our licensed agents only want to provide them with housing solutions. Relationship managers, on the other hand, are always here to address any concerns or queries. Consultation is free.

Need assistance with your property journey? Feel free to get in touch with an Ohmyhome property agent to get started. For more information on the best and latest property listings nationwide and how our Ohmyhome’s online ecosystem helps sellers like you, visit Ohmyhome.com or download the official Ohmyhome app.

Ohmyhome was launched in the Philippines in September 2020, following the company’s establishment of a tech team in the country in 2017. Ohmyhome was originally founded in 2016, and subsequently rose in Singapore as a leading PropTech solution and licensed real estate agency.

Ohmyhome expanded into the Philippines so that Filipino home seekers can have a real estate partner that they can trust to have their best interests at heart and can be relied upon to provide exceptional services throughout the entire property journey.

Featuring thousands of properties across many of the Philippines’ major real estate brands, Ohmyhome differs from other local platforms by going the extra mile and extensively helping buyers narrow down their choices and find the property that best suits their budgets, home needs, and lifestyle preferences.

The company’s Real Estate Agents not only help in the shortlisting of options but also provide professional services through the entire purchasing process. These include assistance in property inspections, negotiations, the finalization of the Conditions of Sale, deposit collection, the submission of property documents, as well as providing buyers regular updates.

Ohmyhome helps Filipinos find their dream homes, all while making sure each real estate transaction is complete and is an efficient and enjoyable experience.Stay connected with Ohmyhome Philippines by following our official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.