Can I just message anyone who posts about real estate?

TL;DR: Yes, you can message them, but always ask questions and verify. If they get defensive or avoid sharing credentials, that’s a big red flag. Better safe than sorry when it comes to property transactions.

Good question, and yeah—you definitely want to be careful. Social media is full of real estate posts, but not all of them are from licensed or accredited people. In the Philippines, only licensed real estate brokers and accredited real estate salespersons are allowed to legally market and sell properties.

Here’s how you can check:
1. Ask for their PRC License No. or DHSUD Accreditation No.
* Brokers have a Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license number.

* Salespersons should be accredited under a licensed broker, and they should know that broker’s name and PRC license number.

2. Check the PRC website:
* Go to the PRC Verification page

* Select “Real Estate Service” as the profession, and then enter the name or license number. It’ll show if the person is legit.

3. Ask who their broker is (for salespersons):
* If they’re a salesperson, they should be under the supervision of a licensed broker. If they can’t give you a name, or seem sketchy about it, that’s a red flag.

4. Look for DHSUD Registration (for developers or project sellers):
* Big projects or condos should also be registered with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). You can check the developer’s name or project via DHSUD.

5. Check their profile and posting history:
* Real brokers often have professional-looking profiles, some mention their license number in the bio, and they usually post consistently with actual listings and proper descriptions.