“I want to buy land, I'm afraid I will be conned; Is Agent Trustworthy?”: Expert Advises
John wrote: "Hey TUKO I have some money and I want to buy a piece of land in Nairobi but I am afraid I will be conned. My friend was conned by another company where he bought land and it turned out that the land had other owners. I don't know if I can trust the real estate agents in Nairobi. How can I know who is legit and who is a fraud? Which process can I follow to ensure that I am not conned? Please advise me." A sign board on a land property on sale and real estate agents.Geoffrey Mburugu is an experienced real estate agent with Afri Connect Real Estate (ACRE). TUKO.co.ke reached out to Geoffrey Mburugu for expert advice on identifying legitimate agents and safeguarding against fraud in the real estate sector.. Verify the agent's credentials Geoffrey emphasized the importance of verifying an agent's credentials by ensuring they are licensed by the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB). "Verifying their license status can be done by contacting the board directly or checking their official website," Mburugu noted. While certification is a crucial first step, he underscored the need for additional precautions, including thorough online research and seeking testimonials from previous clients. "Additional checks are also essential in the process. It's advisable to examine their online presence and seek out testimonials. Following up with their previous clients, if feasible, is recommended as well. Ask the agent if they can provide recommendations or testimonials from past clients," Mburugu suggested. He also advised investors seeking to purchase land to ensure the real estate agency they are dealing with has an established physical location. " A physical office is a good sign as it means incase of any issue you can seek them one on one. Physical office is a good sign as it means incase of any issue you can seek them one on one," he noted. Avoid completing transactions in haste One of the red flags highlighted by Geoffrey is pressure tactics by the agency to complete the transaction quickly and a lack of transparency regarding fees. He advised buyers to be wary of agents who rush the process or fail to disclose all financial details upfront. "Pressure to fasten the process and no clear transparency on the fees are red flags. Buying property is a lengthy process which can take at least 2-3 months to follow all the processes and have all the documents ready, and mostly it can even take up to six months," he told TUKO.co.ke Follow all procedures and involve relevant experts To mitigate the risk of fraud, Mburugu stressed the significance of diligently following due processes. This includes conducting comprehensive searches, verifying the authenticity of documents, and paying attention to crucial details such as the property's history, as documented in the Green Card. Mburugu recommended that Kenyans should involve experts such as lawyers, licensed surveyors, and county officials, who play a vital role in ensuring legal compliance, accurately assessing land boundaries, and navigating regulatory requirements. He emphasized the often-overlooked yet critical roles of town planners and environmental experts, especially in areas with significant environmental considerations. In conclusion, Geoffrey advised buyers to trust their instincts and undertake thorough due diligence before committing to any real estate transaction. Disclaimer: Advice given in this article is general and is not intended to influence readers' decisions when purchasing real estate properties. They should always seek professional advice that considers their circumstances before making a decision.
by Elijah Ntongai
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