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How I Help OFWs Buy Their Dream Homes in Cebu: A True Story of Trust, Guidance, and Expertise

Buying a home in Cebu while working abroad can be overwhelming, especially for OFWs who can’t personally visit the property. In this article, I share how I helped an OFW couple from the US secure their dream home in Minglanilla — from a failed first purchase to a smooth and successful transfer — using clear…

For many OFWs, buying a home in Cebu is more than just a financial decision — it’s a dream of coming home. But the process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re thousands of miles away. That’s why trust matters, communication matters, and choosing the right real estate partner matters.

I’m Elddie John Benigay — a Civil Engineer turned Realtor, a Top FilipinoHomes Agent, and the founder of Beautiful Properties. Since 2016, I’ve helped almost 300 clients — with more than half being OFWs — secure homes across Talisay, Minglanilla, Cebu City, Liloan, Consolacion, and Northern Cebu.

This is one of my favorite stories.

A Real OFW Client Story That Changed My Career

Back in 2020, my wife Marj and I assisted a married OFW couple — both nurses — now living in the United States. Their first property reservation with us didn’t go as planned. The original unit fell through due to issues beyond our control.

For most buyers, especially OFWs, this would have created frustration and disappointment.

But the couple trusted us.

And that trust demanded results.

Turning a Failed Purchase Into a Better Opportunity

Instead of letting them lose their reservation and downpayment, I worked closely with the developer to transfer the full amount — including the normally non-refundable reservation fee — to a new and better unit in Minglanilla, Cebu.

Not many agents take the time, effort, or negotiation skill to do this.

But my clients deserved it.

They originally didn’t consider Minglanilla because it was “one town farther” than their first choice in Talisay. But after walking them through the:

location pricing subdivision layout community features turnover timeline

…they understood why Minglanilla was actually the better choice.

My background as a Civil Engineer helped a lot — I’m able to explain design, structure, floor layouts, technical specs, and numbers clearly, especially for OFWs who cannot visit the site.

Using Home Tours to Build Trust From Abroad

Like most OFWs, they couldn’t physically see their home during the first few years.

That’s why I create detailed home tours on:

TikTok

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

(Find me everywhere at @beautifulph.properties)

These videos help clients visualize the actual community and how their dream home will look upon turnover. When they saw the home tour I created, they were confident enough to move forward.

Trust — strengthened online.

A Surprise Basement… and an Even Better Home

Two years later, model units were finally available.

Another two years after that, their parents visited the actual house.

That’s when we discovered something unexpected:

The home had an additional basement level.

The parents were unsure.

The dad — an experienced engineer — had concerns.

But I saw the opportunity immediately.

That basement could serve as:

a chill area

a family den

a mini theater

a view deck

or even a workspace

…and it was free additional space.

After explaining the structural and practical advantages, everyone — including the engineer father — agreed that the home was actually better than the original plan.

Another win.

Another relationship strengthened.

Why OFWs Choose to Work With Me

For 9 years, I’ve built my career on transparency, technical expertise, and genuine care for my clients’ goals.

Here’s what many OFWs say sets my service apart:

✔️ Clear explanations (technical + financial)

As a Civil Engineer, I simplify the most complex details of a home.

✔️ Smooth coordination with developers

I handle reservation transfers, negotiations, and documentation.

✔️ Accurate home tours and updates

OFWs always know what to expect — no surprises.

✔️ Guidance from reservation to turnover

My team and I assist families from viewing to loan approval to move-in.

✔️ Proven performance

Top 2 FilipinoHomes Agent — 2020

Top 10 FilipinoHomes Agent — 2022

Top 9 FilipinoHomes Unit Manager — 2025

✔️ A team with nationwide reach

With agents in Cebu, Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and more, we serve clients wherever they are.

Looking for a Home in Cebu? Let’s Work Together.

Whether you’re an OFW returning home or a family investing in your future, you deserve a partner who explains things clearly, negotiates on your behalf, and protects your best interests from day one.

I serve clients looking for properties in:

Cebu City Talisay Minglanilla Liloan Consolacion Mactan North Cebu South Cebu

If you’re looking for a trusted partner for your homebuying journey —

I’d be honored to help you.

📲 Message me on Facebook / Instagram: @beautifulph.properties

🌐 Visit the website: BeautifulPH.Properties

🏡 FilipinoHomes | Beautiful Properties

Beyond Possibilities. Beautiful Properties.

Lic 13646 | Under Broker: 16367