Property254 by Tulia Real Estate

Author: Peris Gachago

  • Selling Land in Kenya: 6 easy steps on how to sell faster

    Selling Land in Kenya: 6 easy steps on how to sell faster

    The best thing about it is that all the resources that are required are readily available. Here are some tips that will help you sell your land so fast

    1.       Have a good land description

    Have a catchy headline. Your headline is the first thing people will see when searching for property. It should include key features of the land you are advertising like the size , location and probably the price. Next have a very good description of your land. Mention all the features of the land and all important amenities present in the neighborhood such as the age bracket of the people who live there, schools, shopping malls, hospitals etc. A description should leave a property seeker curious to want to inquire more about your property.

    2.       Have good photos

    The only way to showcase your land online is by posting photos. What people see online is what determines if they want to see the land in person. Therefore, high quality photos are encouraged. If your images are poorly lit, or too small to see anything, people will move on to the next listing. The best thing is to look for a photographer to take professional photos. If possible take a video to showcase it better. Learn more on how to take real estate photos

    3.       Make a strong first impression

    The first impression is what really matters. Before you decide on taking buyers on a site visit. You need to make the land look presentable. Present to buyers a land that has its potential.

    It might not be as perfect, but try to trim overgrown trees and bushes and grass that could make it hard for someone to see the beauty and the value of your property. You can go ahead and plant some good grass and wildflowers.  You can also create walking paths to allow the potential buyer to have a clear view of the land and neighborhood.

    4.       Do proper pricing of the land

    The price of the land is one of the key things that a buyer will look at. The process of selling land is more often derailed by poor pricing strategy than any other factor.  Before setting the price for your land it is advisable to research the market prices around the market prices around your environment to avoid overpricing or underpricing.  To get accurate valuation seek advice from knowledgeable agents or hire an assessor.

    5.       Have proper documentation

    It’s always good to be prepared as the property owner. The other important document that you must have is the title deed. Tittle deed is the actual proof of ownership and if it’s not ready at the point of purchase the buyer is likely not to make payments.

     After all the payments for the property are made to the seller, you will need to sign a title transfer document. This document is the one used to transfer the ownership of the property from the owner to the buyer.

    The other important document that the buyer will require is seller’s identification card. This is for the buyer to know the land owner. See all documents that customers will need when buying a land.

    6.       Market your land

    Sometimes it’s hard for people to do business with someone they have never heard of. That’s why marketing strategies are important, even in real estate world.

    When everything is set, it’s always good to make your product known. These are some of the ways that you can make your land be known.
    i.                    Market it within your network

    Let your locals know you are selling a land. When your network knows about your land that is on sale, you create better chances of getting buyers. Make your friends to know about it, let them know about your social media posts. Ask them to share with their friends too.

    ii.                  Put a sign on your land

    Put up a sign in highly visible spot and make sure it is easy to read from a distance. Use a customized instead of the normally used generic For sale’ sign. On the sign board include your contact information, size and key property feature.

    iii.                Social media platforms

    Creating a strong social media presence is an essential part of your overall marketing strategy .It allows you to get reach to a large number of people within a very short time. It’s actually the easiest and the cheapest marketing strategy. The most popular used social media channels include Facebook, tweeter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and pintrest. They help you attract the right customers with the right information at the right time and help you showcase your land to potential customers at the right times. Learn more on social media tips for real estate companies 

    Create social media pages and grow it by simply being consistent and posting interesting and relatable content for your audience. See also tips to improve your online visibility and follower  engagement.

    iv.                 Look for the best land listing sites

    It’s always good to use the resources provided by the internet. There variety of listing sites that allows users to post their lands that is sale. These sites are created to advertise or list properties. They make it easy to reach broader audience who turn to buyers. Most of them are user-friendly. Some are charged while others are free. Thousands of real estate agents in Kenya list their properties on Property254 site for free.

  • Real Estate Agent Guide to to Targeting Millennial Home Buyers in Kenya

    Real Estate Agent Guide to to Targeting Millennial Home Buyers in Kenya

    Millennial home buyers have entered the housing market in a big way and are beginning to make up a bigger population of homebuyers. This trend is bound to continue. Now is the perfect time to invest in this target audience by customizing your properties for sale to appeal to their expectations, needs and wants. Following these tips will help you with more bids from potential buyers, and possibly sell your home quickly and for more money.

    Below are some tips to follow that will help you sell more homes to millennials.

    1.       Be available online.

    2.       Take good listing photos.

    3.      Build Smaller Houses

    4.       Adding Smart Home Technology 

    5.       Adding a Home Office 

    6.       Utilize Open Plan Spaces

    7.       Choose Low-Maintenance Materials

    8.       Pick the right Location

    1.   Be available online.

    Most millennials start their search online. Your online profile is the first impression they will have of you. Having a Facebook page is an easy start where you can list your properties. We have created a guide on best practices that you can use as a real estate agent.  

    A website will also help where you can provide more details about you or your company. We have several websites designs we can share with you, just contact us.Millennials like using their phones to search for real estate. Therefore, always make your listings are well seen on phone.

    2.   Take good listing photos.

    As more people start their search online, having good property photos will create a good first impression and increase the chances of potential buyers coming in person. To appeal to millennial visitors, ensure you have high resolution images on your listings. Remember, this loves technology and the more up-to-date and advanced your website looks, the better.

    3.      Build Smaller ‘Green’ Houses

    Millennials prefer small size houses. Apartments are thus getting more buyers than bungalows. Millennials realize the benefits of smaller homes: less maintenance, fewer expenses, and more energy-efficient. For new builds, millennials prefer a well-designed, smaller home that’s functional for their lifestyle. Remember to make the home eco friendly.

    4.      Add Smart Home Technology 

    Adding technology to the home will excite millennial buyers into purchasing your home. Ensure the home has amenities like Wi-Fi or cable internet. Other items like cable TV are a must. You could also have smart technology on appliances like security that allow homeowners to conveniently control their home from anywhere as well as reduce their energy bills.

    5.      Add a Home Office 

    With more and more people working from home, adding space that can be double up as a home office is a plus to many millennial homebuyers. Creating this space allows these millennial homebuyers to have a designated area where they will be able to work from home easily and comfortably. 

    6.      Utilize Open Plan Spaces

    Open plan living isn’t a new thing, but millennial home buying trends are making it more popular than ever. Millennial home buyers in Kenya love socializing and hosting their friends. They are then attracted to large, open spaces that can accommodate a group of people where they can mingle with, have fun. When building homes with millennials in consider the idea of an open kitchen and a nice spacious living area. Tear down a wall or two to create a more open look.

    7.      Choose Low-Maintenance Materials

    Millennial homebuyers are interested in low-maintenance homes. Millennial homebuyers in Kenya do not want to spend their time on significant repairs, home-maintenance or even cleaning their homes. They prefer things that will last and are easy to maintain. For example, they often prefer wooden floors that are much easier to keep clean than carpets. The key is to balance gorgeous decor with low maintenance. 

    8.      Pick the right Location

    Real estate is always about location. Millennials are a generation of convenience. Besides the features of the houses you are selling, young people will always consider the location they will be moving to. They always love places where they can engage in different activities, good attractive things like the gyms, restaurants among many more. At times they would prefer taking public transport. Consider how easy is it to get public transportation in the area. Is the house located close to a bus stop?

    9. Focus on Outdoor Spaces

    Millennials spend more time outside driving demand for usable outdoor spaces including lawn gardens, patios, and even balconies. If you have access to the outdoors in your property, make sure that it’s well advertised.  We’d also recommend showing how the space can be used to give potential buyers inspiration for what they could do with a space. You can do this by placing a couple of garden chairs and a potted plant or two.

    Summary

    Millennials have a different attitude when it comes to homeownership compared to other people. While the older generation is looking for a good home that will provide stability where they can stay for a long period of time, millennials want to live in places where they can easily access their jobs while maintaining their social lives. This means that they consider living in places where they can move quickly and manage their errands without wasting time. Proximity to malls and entertainment spots is a plus.

  • Ultimate step by step guide to land subdivision in Kenya: Guide to doing subdivisions like a pro

    Ultimate step by step guide to land subdivision in Kenya: Guide to doing subdivisions like a pro

    Sub-division is the process of dividing one parcel of land into two or more parts. As a real estate agent, you may want to do this in case you want to sell a piece of land after splitting it into smaller pieces. Subdivision may be occasioned by need to share a property among several people, convey a gift of part of a property, sell, develop part of a piece of land or for collateral purposes.

    Subdivision is the opposite of amalgamation. Amalgamation is combining two or more pieces of land that are under separate titles into one piece of land with only one title. In case you missed it, you can read more about the procedure for amalgamation of plots in Kenya.

    The process of subdivision is fairly simple as.

    Step1: Preparation of a sub-division scheme details.

    Before you begin the process, visit your local land registry and conduct a search to verify ownership or if any caveat has been placed on the land. You can do this yourself or have a surveyor do this for you. Land searches usually take around 3 days. For properties within Nairobi, please create an account on Ardhisasa  and follow this guide on how to conduct an online land search through Ardhisasa. The Institute of Kenya Surveyors has a list of all registered surveyors in Kenya. Hiring a surveyor is advisable and they will also help you to identify the exact boundaries of the property and will also advise you on the best way to do land subdivision.

    After the official search, the surveyor will help you obtain a registry index map (RIM) from the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya. The RIM is a map that covers a large geographic area in which the land to be subdivided lies. Using the map, the surveyor visits the land to ascertain the measurements indicated on the maps are the exact measurements on the ground.

    Once measurements are confirmed, the surveyor then prepares a Subdivision Scheme, which must be signed by a Registered Physical Planner who then gives a Physical Planning Act form commonly known as PPA 1 Form. The physical planner must have a valid license from the Physical Planners’ Registration Board.

    The easiest thing is to hire a surveyor or a physical planner to handle the full process. Discuss with the physical planner or surveyor on the objectives intend to achieve and formalize the relationship by agreeing on fees and timelines through a signed agreement.

    Step 2: Submission to the County Government.

    The subdivision scheme is then presented to the county government. The county government circulates the scheme to various County departments and Government Agencies for evaluation. Evaluation is done for items like zoning compliance, roads alignment, water reserves and other environmental considerations. Also, the committees will review social amenities provided e.g. schools, plot size, road size, drainage, sewer reticulation and assess sufficiency of these.

    The accompanying documents to be given to the county government include:

    Requirements for land Subdivision of land in Kenya:

    1)        Certificate of official Search.

    2)        Ownership documents/ Title deed of the land

    3)        Registry Index Map (RIM)/ Survey Map

    4)        Copy of payment receipt for application of subdivision and land rates /Rates Clearance certificate. In Nairobi, remember you can pay for land rent using Ardhisasa.

    5)        Copy of the physical planners practising certificate

    6)        Land Control Board consent to sub-divide the land

    7)        Duly filled Form PPA1

    8)        Well-drawn scheme showing the proposed subdivision.

    9)        Four copies of sub-division scheme plan signed by the physical planner (and the developer if applicable).

    The county government may make requests for pieces of land to be set as public utilities for the approval to be done. Such public utilities include playgrounds or police stations. If any modifications to the subdivision requests are made, the Physical Planner and Land Surveyor will then go back to the drawing board and amend the subdivision plan to conform to the county government directives

    If the county government is satisfied with the subdivision report a PP2 Form is issued approving the subdivision of land as per the surveyed plots. The county government may also approve and provide other conditions that should be put in place before the Ministry of Lands issues individual titles to the divided land.

    Once all the conditions for subdivision as stated in the subdivision approval letter are met, the council inspects and issues a letter allowing the Ministry of Lands to issue all the remaining titles. If fulfilment of some conditions is capital intensive, the county government can offer phased approvals.

    Step 3: Submission to the Land Control Board.

    After issuance of PP2 forms, then a booking of a meeting by the lands Control Board can be set. The registered surveyor or planner will present the Subdivision scheme details, a current Title Search (valid for three months after date of issue), the PPA1 and the PPA2 to the Land Control Board for review and approval. The land control board is a meeting of local elders who sit at the sub-county level and approves all land transfers in their area. A meeting with the land control board must be booked at least two weeks in advance, and the board sits only once a month.The landowner is required to present themselves in front to the board with their spouse as applicable.

    After getting the land control board consent, the surveyor places beacons to mark the boundaries. In rural areas, general boundaries are common where an error margin of one metre is allowed in the placement of beacons. In urban areas, cadastral (fixed) land boundaries, whose beacon positioning is measured in coordinates, is preferred.

    Once the boundaries are marked, both the land owner and the surveyor are required to sign copies of the Mutation Form. The mutation forms, together with the search document, the consent form from the Land Control Board, the PPA1 and the PPA2 forms are then forms are then deposited with the district survey office, where a cartographer allocates new plot numbers to the subdivided plots.

     Step 4: Submission to the National government/Ministry of Lands.

    The same documents presented to the county government together with the approvals are then deposited with the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya to allow for the amendment of the Registry Index Maps.

    The same documents that were deposited  with the district survey office  are then taken to the respective land county registries to allow the land registrar in the processing individual land title deeds..

    After a given period you then visit the county registries for the individual title deeds. once you have title deeds and intend to sell some of the plots/land, register with us by creating an account for free and start selling.

    Land subdivision cost in Kenya.

    There are various costs throughout the land subdivision process. The fee for the whole process varies and is charged depending on the land itself both the size and location.

    Properties that cannot be subdivided

    Not every piece of land can be subdivided.  Exemptions include;

    •       A property that is collateral for a loan in a financial institution.
    •       A property with a caveat on it to prevent any action on the property.
    •       Property with a court case that is still pending and not yet resolved

    Tax payment for subdivided land

    If there is no change in ownership, then no taxation is done. However, if the plots are in the name of a different entity then you will need to pay capital gains tax.  If paying for stamp duty on Ardhisasa, you can use this guide on how to pay stamp duty on Ardhisasa.

    I hope the above covers general questions you may have. While choosing a surveyor, it is advisable to go for a professional with good reputation and experience. If you require a qualified land surveyor, you can reach out to Steddy Trading Real Estate on 0722244971 or write to us on in[email protected]

    Are you planning to subdivide your land and want to avoid costly mistakes? Don’t miss out on our upcoming webinar on land subdivision! Learn from experts about the legal requirements, practical steps, and pro tips to ensure your subdivision process is smooth and successful.

    Click here to Reserve your spot today.

  • Letters of Authorization to sell in Real Estate: Importance to an agent and Example

    Letters of Authorization to sell in Real Estate: Importance to an agent and Example

    Letters of authorization are prepared by a property owner authorizing another party to sell a property on their behalf. An authorization letter is legally accepted and can act as proof of agency relationship in case of a dispute.

    A letter of authorization gives a real estate agent the authority to list, market the property and get a commission when the property is sold. This letter helps to protect the real estate agent from the buyers and sellers trying to circumvent paying a commission by conducting the transaction outside of the real estate agent’s auspices.

    A letter to sell is different from a letter to find a property. You can read more about a letter to find property in this blog. Letter to Source a property.

    You can read this article to learn more about the commission payable to real estate agents.

    We have also seen Kenyan courts highlighting the importance of having an agreement. In the civil case no. 94 of 2016 three parties who had been engaging in the business of real estate were seeking Kshs. 46,250,000.00 as commission from the defendants in court. As the plaintiffs admitted that there was  no written agreement on commission payment, the court was not convinced that in a sale involving such a high-end, lucrative property issues would be handled by the defendant in so casual a manner.

    When seeking an authorization letter, you must ensure that the letter is simple, precise, and to the point. There should be no scope for ambiguity or confusion in this letter and all the duties and responsibilities should be clear and specific. The property owner must put all the points in a crisp and simple language to safeguard you against any arguments and any litigations that may arise in the event of a misunderstanding. A sample letter is below.

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Sample Authorization Letter to Market and Sell a Property

    Mr. John Doe

    Address

    Contact No: + 123456789

    Subject: Authorization to Market {Property Description}

    I, the undersigned, herein referred to as the owner of {Property Description} hereby authorize {Real Estate Agent/Real Estate Company}, to list, market, present the property to any prospective buyers. Before making a commitment to a potential buyer, a final call must be made to me including agreeing to the terms and conditions of the sale.

    Taking into consideration the terms of this letter, I, the owner of the property hereby agrees to furnish the potential buyer with the merchantable title and related documents according to the Kenyan laws.

    This authorization letter shall remain in effect from this date until the property is sold or if any party sends a letter in writing terminating the authorization.

    If the {Real Estate Agent/Real Estate Company} sells the property with terms acceptable to me, I agree to pay remuneration as set in law or otherwise agreed in writing.

    In case you have any doubt regarding this authorization letter, kindly reach me at [Email/contact number].

    Signature

    Date:00/00/2024

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    When you are an agent and have a buyer, please ask to see this letter from the selling agent. We have come across cases where parties purport to have authority to sell while in real sense, they do not.

    As you continue engaging in real estate, remember to register with the Estate Agents Registration Board(EARB). This way, you have legal protection in case the seller does not meet their obligations. We have had some colleagues settling for a low commission than what the law mandates since they were not registered as real estate agents in Kenya. If you are not registered, you risk losing the commission and lack good legal support and you could face legal penalties.

    Learn more about how to register as a real estate agent in Kenya.

    The court in the same civil case no. 94 of 2016 held that the Plaintiffs, having engaged in practice as Estate Agents contrary to the law they cannot file a suit and expect to be awarded commission arising from their illegal activities. 

    Section 18 of the Estates Agents Act Cap 533, Laws of Kenya provides as follows: –

    1. After the expiration of six months from the commencement of this Act or such further period as the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, allow either generally or in respect of any particular person or class of person: –

    (a) No individual shall practice as an estate agent unless he is a registered estate agent;

    (b) No partnership shall practice as estate agents unless all the partners whose activities include the doing of acts by way of such practice are registered estate agents;

    (c) …..

    (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

    While the above is developed for a general understanding, it is not meant to be legal advice. Do not hesitate to contact your advocate for legal help or call us on 0726982982 

    Lets assume a seller tells you to sell a property for Ksh 20M and you find a buyer willing to buy at Ksh 25M. What would you do? Tell us in the comment section below.

  • Facebook Best practices for Page posts: 5 simple ways to post as a pro

    Facebook Best practices for Page posts: 5 simple ways to post as a pro

    Your audience is looking for a connection and is more likely to engage with a post that feels personal rather than something that’s over-produced or obviously not created by you. Your posts should therefore be attractive and obviously engaging. Use these simple ways to have the best posts

    1.       Be Creative

    It’s important to create post that are creative,  for you to capture your reader’s attention. Use high quality creative images, videos and text,  that will make the audience interact more with the posts. You should ensure that your post accurately reflects your brand or your message.

    2.       Create actionable content

    When an action is directly related to your business goal, it does not only increase engagement  but also creates value to your business. It’s therefore advisable to have a call to- action button to you page highlighted with the post that needs an action,   prompt people to call, sign up for something, to book appointments etc. Another way is by asking your audience friendly but engaging questions that leverage their interest, and opinions on your post.

    3.       Understand your audience

    Before developing engaging post, you need to know who is in your audience. Know where they are from, their age, their interests and the kind of posts they have interacted with in the past, and pay attention to engagement of each post that is the likes, comments and shares. If the engagement is s not so good try to create different types of posts or different versions until you find a tactic that works for you. Page Insights can help you learn more about your audience and what content resonates with them most. You can also grow your audience and engagement in 5 simple ways


    4.       Keep it simple

    Let it be short, clear, sweet, creative and to the point.

    Avoid unnecessary tangents, typo, bad grammar and wordy sentences

    In order to gain attention, write your posts as Facebook graphics and chose the best color scheme.

    5.       Pin  significant posts

    The first thing that your audience sees when they view open your Facebook page is a pinned post. Pin major announcement like new app feature, upcoming events or any kind of changes, great testimonial from a highly satisfied customer, catchy video that sums up your organization, your best performing content etc. See 8 secrets of having goo posts on your page

    Note:

    i.                     Pinned posts on Facebook only stay up for a week. If you want a post to be pinned for longer than that, you have to manually repin it every 7 days.

    ii.                   If you pin a post about an upcoming sale, remove it after the sale to avoid confusing people

    Conclusions

    Posting blanket statements and opinions usually won’t get a great response but posting in a way that catches people’s attention, motivates them to take action  that pays huge dividends.

    Become a pro today.

  • Essential ways to grow your Facebook Page audience and engagement

    Essential ways to grow your Facebook Page audience and engagement

    Everyone wants to bring attention to their business on Facebook. You want to have a big Facebook audience, right? Building a page flowing people who are interested in your products, services or content that you share is very key. Here are 5 fundamentals that you need to understand in order to grow your audience and engagements

    1.        Make people aware of your brand

    One way that your audiences understands, recalls, and becomes comfortable with your branding and products is by making them aware of your brand .If you can build brand awareness among your target demographic, you can help your brand become top-of-mind when these consumers are ready to research and make a purchase.

    You can simply do this this by posting what you posts on your page to other groups of a related industry. You can also ask friends and family to like your posts and share them on their timelines. With this you will be able to get more people interacting with your page.

    2.        Become more active

    If you want to want to grow your audience and engagement you should be active not only on Facebook but also on other social media platforms. You need to share relevant content to allow your audience find meaningful ideas. Don’t ever forget to comment on other posts and in groups. This will increase your visibility to new and existing page fans and customers.

    The most important thing that you should do is to manage communication with your audience. First make sure you react to their comments, answer every question either on the comment or inbox. In case you can’t deliver what they want let them now on time and in case of delay, kindly apologize.

    3.        Use targeted ad campaigns

    What ads look like, say, and where they’re placed are determined by audience behaviors and interests. You can create different types of ads directly from your Page by boosting your post to push it in front of more people. This increases engagement. You can also create a post and highlight call-to action button that sends it people to a page on your website. This will increase your web traffic. If you want to grow your audience, you can promote a page. Just run an ad made-to-order that goal. You can also promote your local business. Just run an ad that can reach people in the radius of your business.

    4.       Use Page Insights to optimize your ad targeting

    If you want to reach all your target audience members and outpace your competition, you’ll need to optimize your campaigns both before and after publishing them on Facebook. This will help you understand more about your audience, the posts that increase engagement and insights for actions that people take on your page. All this will help you know the best way in which you can engage with your audience.

    5.        Share content when your audience is online

    It’s very crucial to now when your audience is online. Ones you understand more about when your audience is online you can schedule all of your posts. Find out when your audience is online

    Conclusion

    The more engagement a post receives, the more likely Facebook’s algorithm is to reward it with reach. Keep in mind the  above simple ways that will help you grow your audience and engagement and also improve your online visibility.

    Also see 5 simple ways to post as a pro as one of the ways to grow your Facebook page audience and engagement

  • Tips to improve Your Facebook Page visibility and follower engagement

    Tips to improve Your Facebook Page visibility and follower engagement

    If your post is getting a lot of comments and shares, it will be (theoretically) shown to more people. If your relationship with user based on interaction is strong then your online visibility will be strong. This is a simple and clear guideline on how to improve your Facebook page visibility and engagement.

    1.       Add a profile picture and cover photo to your Page

    Profile picture and cover photos builds trust. When adding a profile photo use a simple visual representation of your business, a logo works best . Also Show a recognizable part of your business that will attract people. Use a cover video or a photo to help keep visitors on your Page and increase engagement.

    2.       Add your business address

    Letting people know where you are helps them find your business easily, encourages communication at a more intimate level ,invites greater engagement and increases your buzz. Those  who are seeking out posts pertaining to their town or city will easily be able to find your post after using the search bar, so your post may gain traction much more quickly. If you have a physical location of your business, add your address and details about your location. You can also make sure you have dropped pin on your business location. Learn how to add your business address

    3.       Add your working hours.

    Notify your customers when you open and close your business. You should be careful to update your working hours during holidays and special events to avoid inconveniencing your customers. Learn how to add hours of business to your Page.

    4.       Turn on recommendations

    Facebook lets customers rate , review and comment on your page. These Facebook recommendations appear on recommendation tab on your page and are visible to everyone who visits your page. Having great reviews on Facebook will instantly increase your chances of getting new customers because online reviews build trust. Recommendations also allow your brand to optimize its online presence. Learn how to turn on recommendations.

    5.       Encourage people to follow your Page

    Remind new and existing customers why they should follow your Page, such as regular updates, new products or services, easy communication and exclusive offers. People who follow or like your Page are more likely to see your content in their News Feed, which helps them remember you. See ideas for posts on your Page.  This will help you grow your audience and engagement.

    6.       If you have a website, add it to your Facebook Page

    Make it easy for potential customers to learn more about your business. See these  5 simple ways to post as a pro

  • How to use Google Maps to sell more as a real estate agent

    How to use Google Maps to sell more as a real estate agent

    Google Maps for the Real Estate Industry Why Is It Important?

    The real estate housing market is rapidly changing. Slowly, millennials are taking over the real estate market. What does it mean for the real estate agents? It means that internet marketing is something that needs more focus.

    We all know the power of the Google search. It’s a tool that helps your business get found, noticed. We all generate leads through Google, and if you have a real estate website, it helps you connect with your clients. Let’s talk about Google Maps and how you can use it in your real estate marketing, specifically in regard to the listings.

    Why Google Maps for the Real Estate Industry?

    Google Maps allows a user to see your business or properties on an interactive map. This way, visitors can zoom in and check a specific area they are interested in. Aside from the experience being interactive and more visually appealing, Google maps also helps your listing to get found easier and rank higher. 

    Google Maps is a more adaptable and flexible way of checking properties. With Google Maps, your clients will be able to preview the location of the land you have for sale, the house itself, and generally the area the plot or house for sale is located beforehand. As we all know, buying a house is a complex process that involves many factors such as neighbourhood evaluation, for example. This is covered with Google Maps. Your client can preview the location before doing a site visit and this saves you and the customer both time and energy.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMxhTs9EGJI&t=118s

    For a while, we have not had this functionality in most listing websites in Kenya, until now. We have created this ability.  To have your properties appear on a map, just register or login and list your properties for FREE in minutes.

    If you aren’t selling and just need to find a plot or house for sale, just  click here and zoom on the map to find properties available for sale in your preferred area.

    It’s that easy. Happy selling!

  • 10 Steps to buying a house in Kenya (Best Guide)

    10 Steps to buying a house in Kenya (Best Guide)

    Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions that you will make in life. This calls for us to ensure we make the decision in the right way.  There are various items to check for as you buy, and various people to involve in probably the biggest investment of your life.

    To learn the documents that you will need during the process of buying a house, this blog is the ultimate guide to the homebuying timeline for newbies in Kenya. It will help you follow the correct process of home searching and ownership.

     Here is a step-by-step guide to buying a house in Kenya

    1.     Decide on your budget

     One of the first things you need to do when buying a home is to decide on your budget. You need to know how much you can afford to spend on a home so you don’t end up overspending. You need to consider a few things when setting your budget, such as:

    ·      Consider your income. How much money do you make each month? How much of that can you afford to put toward a mortgage? 

    ·      Consider your debts. Do you have any outstanding debts that you need to pay off? If so, how much can you pay toward your monthly debts?

    ·      You also need to consider your other expenses. Do you have any other monthly expenses that you need to pay? This could include car payments, credit card payments, or childcare expenses. You need to make enough money each month to cover these expenses.

    Once you’ve considered all of these things, you can start to set your budget. You need to make sure you’re comfortable with the amount you’re spending each month on your mortgage. You should also ensure you have enough money left over to cover your other expenses.

    2.     Talk to your bank

     Chances are you will use a mortgage loan to buy your home. Therefore, talk to your preferred bank, which will help you with exclusive rates. In most cases, most banks know the home prices range in different regions so that you can tell them your preferred house size and location. This will help them see the amount they’ll give you as loans and the down payment.

     3.     Find a real estate agent

     When you’re ready to start looking for a home, it’s time to find a real estate agent. An excellent real estate agent will make the home-buying process much easier and help you find the perfect home.

     The first step is to ask your friends and family for referrals. If you know anyone who has recently bought a home, they may be able to recommend an excellent real estate agent. You can also check online reviews to get an idea of which agents are popular in your area.

    Once you’ve found a few interested agents, you should interview them to see if they’re a good fit for you. Be sure to ask about their experience, knowledge of the area, and negotiation skills. Once you’ve found the right agent, they’ll help you find the perfect home and guide you through home-buying.

    Furthermore, you can view our home listings to see which is most appealing.

     4.     Start searching for your dream home

     Now that you know what you can afford and what you are looking for, it is time to start searching for your dream home. Luckily, there are several ways to search for homes these days. One of the easiest ways to search for homes is online. There are several websites that allow you to search for homes based on your specific criteria.

    You can also sign up for email alerts to notify you when new listings that match your criteria come on the market.

     In addition, do not forget to drive around your desired neighborhood to see if there are any for sale signs. This can be a great way to find homes not listed online or with a real estate agent.

     5.     Get a real estate attorney

     A real estate attorney is very crucial to the home-buying process. They will help you with all legal proceedings for buying a home. In addition, a real estate attorney can represent you in court if anything arises in the future.

     6.     Make an offer

    Once you have found the perfect home, it is time to negotiate the purchase price. Negotiation can be tricky, but it is essential to remember that the seller will likely be flexible on the price.

    Offer and negotiation is usually done through a real estate agent, who will help you negotiate with the seller. The agent will also help you with the paperwork to make an offer.

    You can make an offer below the asking price. The seller will counter your offer, and you will continue negotiating until you reach an agreement. You can attach a proof of funds letter from your bank to convince the seller.

    It is important to be realistic when negotiating the purchase price. If you can negotiate the purchase price successfully, you will have saved a significant amount of money.

    7.     Get a home valuation.

    A home inspection is an examination of the condition of a home, usually performed by a professional home inspector. Lenders often require home inspections as a condition of approving a loan for a home purchase. 

    The inspector will look at the home’s structure, including the foundation, framing, and roof, as well as the home’s systems, such as the electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems. The inspector

    will also check for any visible signs of damage, such as water stains, cracks, or mould. 

    A home inspection can be a valuable tool for buyers, as it can help identify any potential problems with the home before the purchase is finalized. However, it is essential to note that a home inspection is not a guarantee that you’ll find all potential problems.

    8. Finalize the purchase

    Once you have found the perfect home and negotiated the price, it is time to close the purchase deal. 

    First, you will need to put down a deposit. The real estate agent or an attorney typically holds the deposit in escrow until the transfer process is completed.

    Next, the buyer will need to obtain a loan to pay for the remaining home balance. Sometimes, the seller may be willing to finance the purchase, but this is rare. Once the loan has been approved, the buyer must sign all the loan documents.

    Conclusion

    The homebuying timeline depends on how fast you get a home that is appealing to you. After getting the right home, the process is simple and takes a few weeks.

    Buying a house requires a lot of time and effort. To help you navigate the process, give us a call or enter your question in the comment box below.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1.    What is the fastest time to buy a home in Kenya?

    After getting the best home for you, it can take a few weeks to finalise everything, from the home inspection to closing the deal.

    2.   How can I speed up the homebuying process in Kenya?

    The best way to buy a house fast is to find a seller with a ready contract. That way, you will not spend much time waiting for the contract draft.

    3.   How many months should I take when searching for a house in Kenya?

    One thing to know is you should not be in a hurry when searching for a house. Remember that it’s a big purchase and if anything goes wrong you will lose a lot of money. Therefore take your time to search for the right seller.

  • The Complete Guide to Land Valuation in Kenya

    The Complete Guide to Land Valuation in Kenya

    Investing in Kenyan land can be a great way to secure your financial future. With some research and careful planning, you can make a wise investment that will give you a lucrative return. However, you should conduct a land appraisal to ensure you get the best value for your money.If you are thinking about investing in Kenyan land, it is essential to have a good understanding of the appraisal process. Appraisers will consider many factors when determining the value of a piece of land, including its location, size, and potential uses. The appraiser will also look at recent sales of similar properties in the area to get an idea of the current market value.Kenya is known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and friendly people. Kenya is also a great place to invest in land. With its rapidly growing economy and population, the Kenyan land market has much profit potential.This post explains the different steps involved in the process, from the initial assessment of the land to the final valuation. It also includes information on the various methods of land appraisal and the factors that need to be considered when appraising land.

    What is Land Appraisal?

    A land appraisal is a process of estimating the value of the land. An assessment can be done for various reasons, such as for taxation or selling purposes. The appraiser will consider multiple factors, such as the land’s location, size, and condition, to conclude the actual value of the land.

    Methods of Land Appraisal in Kenya

    We have three methods of land appraisal in Kenya:


    1. Cost Approach

    The cost approach of land appraisal in Kenya involves considering the costs involved in development. For instance, if the land has boreholes and agricultural activities, the costs of setting up the borehole and planting the crops is factored in deciding the lands value.


    2. Market Approach

    This approach involves comparing nearby lands that have similar characteristics as the land in question. In addition, the values should be matching with the area’s current market value of lands.


    3. Income Approach

    This appraisal approach involves using the current income from the land to decide its value. For instance, if the land is on a lease, the income generated from the lease is used to determine the real value of the land.

    The Process of Land Appraisal in Kenya

    Land appraisal in Kenya is the process of determining the value of land for taxation or sale. The process is carried out by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands.


    The land parcel identification in question

    The first step in land appraisal is knowing the land owner. Nowadays, you can search for the title deed authenticity on the eCitizen portal on the ministry of lands dashboard.


    A physical inspection of the land by a team of appraisers

    The appraisers take into account several factors, including the size of the land, its location, its accessibility, and its potential for development. The appraisers should move into the physical location of the land and study the area around it. In addition, they also research the previous sales of neighbouring lands.


    Report preparation

    After the physical inspection, the appraisers prepare a report which is submitted to the KRA. The KRA then determines the value of the land based on the information. The value of the land is then used to calculate the amount of tax that is payable.

    If the purpose of the appraisal was to sell the property, the seller now has a solid reason to set their price tag.

    The Benefits of Land Appraisal in Kenya

    Determine the value of land

    Appraisals can be used for tax purposes

    Determine the value of land for sale or lease or assess the value of land for collateral purposes

    The land appraisal helps identify potential environmental hazards on the land.

    The Challenges of Land Appraisal in Kenya

    These factors can include the location of the land.

    The size of the land. If the land is too big, it will be difficult to move around.

    The type of land. The topography can also be challenging if the land is hilly or very steep.

    The current market value of land in Kenya can fluctuate, making it difficult to determine an accurate appraisal.

    The Bottom Line

    Land appraisal in Kenya is a process that requires a lot of time, effort, and resources. However, it is also clear that the benefits of carrying out a land appraisal far outweigh the costs.

    A land appraisal provides essential information that can be used to make informed decisions about the future use and development of land. In addition, a land appraisal can help resolve disputes and improve the overall efficiency of land management.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does land valuation take in Kenya?

    After submitting a request for land appraisal, it can take a few days, depending on the location of the land.

    What do land valuers do?

    Land evaluators provide useful information regarding land value to KRA, Banks, land sellers, and buyers.


    What do land appraisers look to provide land value in Kenya?

    Land appraisers consider factors like the land’s topography, location, size, nearby amenities, and the possible developments of the land. That helps them derive a figure of the land’s value.