How many copies of the DOAS?

How many copies of the Deed of Absolute Sale (DOAS) should you prepare?

This is a typical question I get from fellow brokers time and again. So here's the count to how many copies you should print on closing day.

1-2. Unnotarized copies for the seller and the buyer

+ Brokers would likely be holding on to all closing documents after signing since they will be processing the transfer (e.g., notarization of documents). So, it's only proper for both the seller and the buyer to hold on to copies of the documents they signed.

+ Some would argue that these documents aren't notarized and, therefore, useless. If you just paid/received millions of pesos for the purchase/sale of a property, wouldn't you feel a little less anxious if you were holding on to something?

3-4. Copies of the Notary Public

+ The bigger notary publics require two copies of the executed documents: One that they will submit to authorities and another for their records.

5-6. Notarized copies for the seller and the buyer

7. Government's Copy

8. Condo/Homeowner's Admin's Copy

+ Some admins require an original signed copy of the DOAS.

9. Bank’s Copy

+ Some banks now require original notarized copies of the DOAS for depositing the seller’s proceeds.

+ Also required if the purchase is bank-financed.

10. Extra Copy

+ Just in case someone misplaced their original notarized copy, you'd want to keep an extra copy.

Is ten copies overkill?

The hassle of chasing after signatories, because you need an extra copy later on, would clearly outweigh the minimal monetary and time considerations in preparing and having parties sign ten copies. I just don't want problems later on.