Category: Tips Advice

Real estate transactions can be difficult and with complications, but if properly planned, they can also move simply and fast. As a real estate agent, you’ll not only be involved in a variety of transactions, but you’ll also have to deal with a variety of people who would like to buy your properties. There are buyers who are difficult to find and sellers who are easy to find. It’s also possible that there will be easy sellers and difficult buyers.

If the transaction or parts of the contract do not go well, you may have to face lawsuits. It’s also easy to annoy your clientele owing to misconceptions or unreasonable expectations. We have compiled this guide to help you Conduct a Smooth Real Estate Transaction

1.     Making an Offer

Your real estate agent will create an Offer to Purchase once you’ve agreed to buy the property. An offer to purchase is the legal document that governs the sale of a property between the buyer and seller. Because it is a legally binding contract, it is critical that you take your time and complete it correctly.

The buyer submits a written offer, which, if accepted, results in a binding contract between the buyer and the seller. Make sure your customers know the market and the most important factors to consider when creating a promise to ensure you reach an acceptable agreement that benefits everyone: These factors include:

•         Pricing in the market

•         Closing date
•        Property time frame
•        Property insurance
•         Necessary repairs
• ·        Financing

Also read: Letter of Authorization to source real estate

2.     Buyers Competition

For the buyer, competing offers can be an exciting, stressful, and anxious moment. If your purchasers learn of a competing bid, urge them to consider the property’s value to them. They might wish to adjust their offer to make it their best and highest. They must remember that pricing is simply one consideration in the seller’s selection. Other policies, such as deadlines and agreements, have the potential to significantly impact competition.

The seller can only negotiate one offer at a time until a final contract is established, regardless of the strengths and weaknesses of competing offers. In a strong sellers’ market, it is possible that more than one offer will be received at the same time.

3.     Counter-Offers Negotiation

If the seller does not accept the first offer because the buyer’s price is too low, or the buyer’s requirements for repairs and inspections are excessive, then he or she may counteroffer.

Make sure the buyer is aware that a counteroffer is possible. If a counteroffer is made, the buyer has the option to:

•         Take the counteroffer.
•        Respond to the counteroffer
•        Reject the counteroffer and choose a different seller.

If the buyer rejects the seller’s counteroffer, they can make a new offer (a second counteroffer) that the seller can accept or reject.

4.     completing the real estate transaction

After the buyer and seller have agreed on a price and terms, the real estate brokers must organize the entire transaction in a timely manner. The following list of items has crucial deadlines that must be met in order for the transaction to move smoothly, therefore it’s important to remain on top of them.

•         Ascertain that funding is in place.
•         Carry out all required inspections.
•         Hire a reputable appraiser to help you
•         Create a property insurance policy.
•         Carry out a title search.
•         Prepare the closing processes.

Finally,

Purchasing real estate can be challenging. It requires extensive procedures that may exhaust you and make you angry at times. However, you must not allow this to affect you.

Keep in mind that, purchasing a real estate can be stressful and time-consuming. If you, do it in a wrong way, it will have negative impact on your life. It’s an amazing adventure, and you should enjoy every moment of it. The objective is to figure out how to make the transaction as easy as possible. You can use the tips above to reach your objective with the least amount of stress and worry possible.

Most real estate agents dream of becoming successful. However, not all are lucky to achieve this dream. To succeed in real estate, you need to have a good network, work hard and combine this with excellent customer skills. Most real estate agents opt to do real estate on a part time basis while also doing other businesses.

The real estate industry is Kenya is constantly changing and we need to find ways as agents to go an extra mile in order to stay current and ahead of the competition. Nowadays, customers are more informed and expect their agents to deliver top notch experiences. If you are not up to date on the latest trends and technologies, you will end up making very few sales and disappointing your customers.  To ensure you succeed, the tips below are invaluable give your business the edge it deserves.

1.    Have expert local knowledge:

 when selling land and any property, you need to have an in depth understanding of the local market. As the saying goes, real estate is local. Within your area of expertise, understand how prices have been moving in the neighbourhood, upcoming development, government initiatives that are coming and any initiatives by the county governments. Buyers are quick to judge if you have the right experience and lack of it can be a deal breaker. Additionally, this additional information that you provide to customers can determine if they will buy a property or not.

2.    Set Goals: 

Most real estate agents do not set goals. It is important to set goals so that you have a way to track and measure progress on whether you are in the right track. If you review and see you are not on the right track, then you can make the necessary changes. When setting goals, be as specific as possible. E.g. if you need to network, have a specific goal like join a networking group for real estate. For the number of sales, have an estimated goal of total sales you plan to make and the commission you intend to make. Be very deliberate about what you really need to achieve within the year and have the same in writing.   Sett goals for yourself or your company that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound. While this does not guarantee success, it sure helps you get close.

3.    Be Tech Savvy: 

To succeed, you need to be up to date and using the latest technology. This includes apps, social media, devices, software, and other tools to help you stay ahead of the competition.  Ensure that you buy enough data bundles so that you are always available online. Data helps you also in your research. Use technology to help you understand how to utilize social media and digital marketing tools. You can maintain your online presence using posting on social media, LinkedIn and having a well-done website.  Understand technology and utilize it to find multiple ways of generating leads.

4.     Networking: –

 Ability to network with other real estate agents is just as important as ability to interact with customers. Have a network of customers who rely on you for their real estate transactions. These customers will form the basis of getting referrals for your business. remember, being a real estate agent is not all about buying and selling of property. You need to also have a network of other professionals like surveyors, contractors, conveyancing lawyers who you can always work with as needed.

5.     Tenacity: 

-Most customers will love you if you show tenacity. Whenever something needs to be done, follow-up quickly on action points. If you needed to send options like houses for sale, do it as soon as possible. In case you need to have any documents cleared with county governments, have this done quickly. Remember it’s not only about speed of doing things. Its putting the extra effort and going the extra mile. Work smart and always find ways to help customers overcome challenges so that they know they have peace of mind.

6.    Believe in Yourself: –

 You need to believe in yourself so that clients can believe in you.  If you show hesitation, you will be unable to inspire trust and confidence from your customers. If you make excuses every time, this can be interpreted as a red flag and lead to potential clients looking elsewhere for another agent.

7.    Respond Promptly: 

as an agent, you need to reply promptly in case you want to show yourself as a reliable agent. When enquiries come through from customers, be on top of the same. In case you need more time, kindly alert the customer of this. Remain reachable on communication avenues whether on text message, phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media.

8.    Be Professional: –

 Maintain a professional appearance. Be well groomed and show professionalism. Have a business card so you can easily give it to potential clients. In case you need to have an office, ensure you have one that looks professional. Also ensure your name on social media pages is professional. Business relies a lot on how you have branded yourself. So, if you want to be taken seriously, show professionalism and that way you will betaken seriously and will help in getting referrals from people.

9.    Passion: –

 You need to show an ability to go the extra mile to obtain properties for your customers within their budget and preferences. Real estate is tough. To avoid becoming frustrated, you need to have a passion for real estate. This passion will help you through the hard times. Good real estate agents are enthusiastic about what they do.

10. Utilise Social Media: –

 As a property agent, consider the internet your friend because, the larger your network, the wider the number of people you will be able to reach. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, and LinkedIn are powerful tools in the hands of a real estate agent.

11.  Make your Health and Wellness Priority: –

With all the running around needed in real estate, you need to be fit. Always have a strong baseline of health by getting enough sleep, exercising, and valuing nutrition, that would give the energy or inclination to tackle another day.

 Many new real estate agents never make it through their first two years. Knowing when to pursue new tactics will help you create a successful real estate career. We hope the above tips help.

Buying land in Kenya is a good investment strategy for good returns. The cost of purchasing land will vary from location to location, but the bottom line is with time, the value of every piece of land appreciates in value.  As a landowner you not only get financial security but also peace of mind.

Read: Top factors to consider before investing in property in Kenya

Once you buy land, there are two ways to generate cash. This can be through active utilization of the land or holding the land and wait for it to appreciate.

Below, we evaluate in detail both passive and active ways that you can use your land to generate value:

1.      Buy and wait for appreciation.

2.      Develop the land.

3.      Divide into several plots and sell.

4.      Lease the land

5.      Farm on the land.

1.    Buy and Hold

This is the most common way real estate offers a profit as Land appreciates over time.  Thus, its near guaranteed that if you buy land and sell it later, you are bound to make returns on it by buying and holding onto it. appreciation in value happens when new developments happen like roads, schools, administrative offices or other infrastructural developments occur close or next to your land.

The only challenge is that the amount of appreciation is beyond your control.

Related: The Key Steps in the Process of Buying Land in Kenya

2.    Develop It

Depending on the location of the land, you may develop it to generate active income including building rental properties. The rental properties generate income while the value of the land keeps appreciating.

3.    Subdivide and Sell

If you purchase a big piece of land, you can get returns by subdividing the land and sell off the pieces to other individual buyers. Subdivided land is more marketable as its easier to find a buyer for a smaller, more affordable parcel of land, as opposed to selling a bigger piece. Currently, Malindi is experiencing growth and land is still relatively cheap. You may but 10 acres for Ksh 1,000,000 and subdivide to one-acre portions. You can then sell an acre at Ksh 200,000 and make at least half a million shillings after you take out subdivision and other expenses.

Read: Ultimate step by step guide to land subdivision in Kenya: Guide to doing subdivisions

https://youtube.com/watch?v=TdANgcl43MU

4.    Lease It

If the land is located strategically, there are businesses looking to lease land whether on a monthly and yearly basis. The lease could be for commercial purposes like setting up businesses like petrol stations, car wash, garage etc. I have seen road contractors looking for land to lease when setting up sites to operate from.  Other lease opportunities include billboard rentals and cell towers for companies like Safaricom.

If the land is in a quarry, you may let companies extract building materials and pay a royalty to you. For agricultural land and you lack the necessary background or experience in farming, you may lease the land to an experienced farmer.

5.    Farm on it

If you have farming skills, putting your land into agricultural use can be a very lucrative business as the produce will always yield good income in the market. This is because food will always be in demand.

The final takeaway

Investing in land in Kenya remains one of the best investment decisions you can make. There are various avenues as above on how to generate returns and I hope you find one that works for you.

Whatever way you decide to profit from owning land, certain strategies will help you succeed.

Be financially prepared: Real estate is a capital intensive investment. You thus need to ensure you plan your finances well. As it takes time to sell land, buy land that you do not have to sell quickly.

Get to know the local area:  It has always been said that the three most important factors in real estate are location, location, location. This still holds to date. Whether it’s from a physical visit or starting off with online research, do your best to know the local market . Find a few real estate agents in the area as well who can advise you on property prices.  

Keep things simple: A simple strategy always takes you a long way in real estate investing in Kenya. If you are starting off in real estate, it’s best to start small and then grow steadily and you gain more experience.

As a real estate agent, one question is always on how to boost your sales so that this in turn increases your income. In this article we shall go over 9 different things that you can do as a real estate agent that will result in more income. Read to the end and you can identify the right solution for yourself.

1.    Expand Your Sphere of Influence

One way to build contacts and generate leads is through networking. Networking focuses on generating real estate leads via the people you already know, including your family, friends, classmates, business associates, sports team members, and even service providers (e.g., your doctor and hairstylist).

2.    Work under a seasoned mentor

Working under a mentor who is in line with your area of specialisation is a good idea. Through experience such a mentor is able to identify opportunities in the market that a beginner may not identify. The mentor will also identify threats that may face the business and provide solutions on how to mitigate them. This will save so much of your time and money.

3.    Increase your earning sources

Having other sources of income is a good supplement to your real estate income. These other sources may include and not limited to property development, sale of property, rental management and expanding your services to a larger region.  Exposing yourself to these will not only increase your income but will also increase your experience in the real estate industry.

4.    Develop a Professional Image

Clients are always looking for an agent who seems to be well informed in what he/ she does. Any likelihood of being out of date will scare them away. Therefore it is advisable that you develop a proper and professional image as it will be a big determiner on whether the client will get the services they need from you or your rivals.. A good personal brand will also help in Building trust as a real estate agent.

Developing and maintaining a professional presence is vital to your success as a real estate agent. Your image is projected through your:

Appearance: Tidy clothing, hair, accessories, makeup, which should be appropriate for your office and the local market. Avoid perfume or cologne and revealing clothing (i.e., nothing too tight, too short, or too low-cut). Men, too, should dress professionally, but not too formally. Avoid accessories such as necklaces and hats, but a nice watch is ok.

Face-to-face meetings: Good eye contact, positive body language. Strive to be attentive, engaging, and courteous.

Marketing and advertising materials: Quality photos and accurate, compelling text, which should be free of grammatical and spelling mistakes.

Phone calls: Articulate, engaging, and courteous.

Web presence: A carefully thought-through website, engaging social media, which should be free of grammatical errors and typos.

Written communications: Well-written letters, emails, and texts free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. 

It is important to note that any presence you have on the Internet whether professional or personal lasts forever and can easily find its way to your potential clients. Therefore, it is judicious to work toward a professional image in and out of your real estate career.

5.    Attend seminars and conferences to stay informed on new developments

  As a real estate agent you need to have so much exposure in this field. It is important as you will always be informed on any changes in the industry hence provide better services to your clients. The better the services you offer the more clients you will get and hence more in come you will realize. Another advantage of attending seminars is that you will get a chance to network with other real estate agents, meet prospective clients, or meet mentors who you are in the same field. The agents you meet in these seminars will be helpful in so many ways such as referring clients to you.

6.    Advertise better

To make more money as a real estate agent, you must advertise your firm. . Advertising real estate can be done through several ways such as posting it on social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Make sure you take advantage of sites such as Premier Agent to post your real estate listings for free because it’s already an established platform that is trusted by many people. You can also use other real estate websites, but you will need to pay a fee to do so which means more profits loss for you. 

If you are not confident enough with marketing yourself on social media, then let us know and we shall provide you with someone else who specializes in this kind of work or learn how to do it if you really want extra cash flow coming into the business.

7.         Use Tools and Technology

Professionalism in real estate can be identified by how well a business is organized and promoted. To achieve this a real estate agent should utilise the tools and technology available online.

Setting up your own website is a one way you can achieve this. I know this may seem difficult but we have made it easy to anyone who would like to own a professional-looking website. Some big companies spend hundreds of shillings or even millions of shillings to develop and maintain websites but if you contact us onIf you do not have a 0726982982, we shall help you get one at an affordable price.

8.    Advance your education in real estate

 Kenya has many universities and colleges offering real estate courses on all levels from  certificate, diploma, and degree programs which will help you a real estate license in Kenya.

Having formal education as a real estate agent is a good idea but not a mandatory requirement. Having some education will catch client’s attention and establish trust faster. Other clients will prefer an educated real estate agent over one who isn’t, thus it’s important to invest in a real estate course.

It is also a critical factor in case one is looking for employment. You can also get promotions at your workplace or have you salary increased by simply taking or a course in real estate. By studying, it helps when trying to register with EARB to get your license.

9.    Invest in Real Estate

 Investing in real estate is not a hard task when you are already a real estate agent. You have the advantage of having a greater understanding of the market, and access to properties before they become popular. This is important because you are at a better position to tell when a property is a good investment and thus you won’t delay to invest in it before someone else does. Making investments with a team of other real estate professionals is quite important as doing it individually can turn out to be too expensive. Investing with professionals will also be advantageous as you will gain market knowledge, and differing perspectives especially if you bring forth professionals such as an attorney, contractor, banker, and yourself of course. This team will give a well-rounded scope of knowledge for anything that would happen to come up throughout the course of your first few investment properties. 

 In conclusion, there are many challenges that as a  real estate agent, you are likely to face: you won’t receive any payment not matter how long you work unless you make a sale, You have to adapt to the market conditions that constantly keep on changing.  However with this in mind, there are numerous rewards both professionally and financially to those who pursue this career. Identifying different income streams in real estate as an agent will see you earn more and become a success in this career.

All the best growing your business!

Your company’s name can make or break future performances because it can really help you stand out in a crowded market. A good name can help you to resonate with your audiences, stand out, and show people what’s different about your business. Your brand name will be the first impression you give off to would-be buyers and sellers.

So whether you’re starting from scratch or you have already been operating and need to rebrand yourself, here are some steps you can take to find the best real estate company names.

1.    Use Keywords.

You may start by selecting a keyword that is either real estate related, one that evokes good feelings. You then add the words together to create a name. for instance:

Sunshine Real Estate.

Trusted Realtors

Hazina Real Estate

2.    Use your names

we have cases of successful real estate companies that uses people names. These include Pam Golding, Lloyd Masika and Knight Frank. So, you go ahead and use your name.

Ouma Real Estate Agent

3.    Local area name

If you want to concentrate in one local area, you can include that area or city in your company name. However, if you run business across the whole country, the area name will restrict you. With time it may become an obstacle for expanding your real estate business.

Kitengela Real Estate

Ngong Road Property Masters

4.    Use Acronyms for Longer Names

Using an acronym as a stand-in for your name can be surprisingly useful. KFC sounds better than Kentucky Fried Chicken. Just make sure the acronym does not make the name vague or uncertain.

Now that you have a good name, it’s good to do additional checks

                    I.            Ensure its easy to spell and pronounce.

                  II.            Keep it short

                III.            Make it memorable and easy to recall.

                IV.            Numeric characters are not allowed for registration unless it’s the current year e.g. (2022)

• Legally, you also need to ensure that the name you have selected:
•  Does not include ‘co-operative’, ‘society’ or ‘trade union’ or any variant or synonym of those words like Mashamba Cooperative Society.
• Does not suggest an association with, or the patronage of, the national or county government. E.g, do not try to register Kenya Real Estate Ltd or Nyeri County Land Transfer Ltd.
•  the name is not offensive to any community or ethnic or racial group.

Decide on the Business form.

Now that you are ready to get registered, decide on the legal status of your business. Consider your future business goals so that you choose a business structure that can accommodate your real estate businesss growth and expansion.           

             Sole proprietorship  this is the most basic business entity. A sole proprietorship means that one person is solely responsible for a business profits and debts.

               Partnership a partnership is a shared responsibility between two or more people who hold personal liability for a business.

               Limited Liability Company (LLC) a structure that permits owners, partners, or shareholders to limit personal liability but still includes tax and flexibility benefits associated with a partnership.

             Corporation  this is an entity legally considered separate from its owners. That means that corporations are permitted to own property, be held liable, pay taxes, and enter contracts.

Get a Registration Certificate

Armed with a name, it’s now time to ensure that such a company is not already registered in Kenya. You do this by performing a company name search Using eCitizen. The process on how to conduct a business name search in Kenya is simple and straightforward.

Establish A Web Presence

Create a real estate website  and start building your brand all over the internet. The website should also include a professional email address. It will look much more professional to communicate with real estate prospects and clients using an email address like [email protected] than your personal Gmail account. Additionally  set up social media accounts on popular social media platforms like Facebook.

Hire an assistant and get your Taxes right

Find someone to help you stay organized, run errands and sort your taxes on time. An assistant can help you to record and organize your day-to-day business and real estate transactions, keep your bank accounts balanced, produce simple reports, and assist with keeping your financial records in order. In case you do not have ability to hire, read about Real Estate Taxes in Kenya, taxation of rental income and capital gains taxes in real estate.

In case you want these services but do not want to hire a full-time staff, we have a solution for you! We shall provide you with a trained real estate assistant to help you pay your bills, maintain filing, run your errands to the lands office, take clients for site viewing, pay your bills while freeing you up for more important tasks. Just give us a call on 0726982982

Secure Office Space

An office is not necessarily required but is good to have so that you are accessible to clients. If your capital is limited, you can get a virtual/shared office then later move to your own office.

Conclusion

Choosing a creative business name for real estate company is one of the most integral components of your real estate business as its difficult to change later. But then getting the name right is just one part of it. You need to set up systems as well to succeed.

And remember, these are not strict rules but rather recommendations. Don’t let them restrict you!

Starting a real estate business in Kenya is something that may not be as easy as it sounds. However, once you get the right tips about it, you can be sure of making quite a profit as there will always be a demand for property.

We have already covered how to come up with a unique business name and performing a company name search Using eCitizen. We even detailed  how to conduct a business name search in Kenya.

Obtain KRA Pin

After registering your company, you can log in to the Kenya Revenue Authority Portal to obtain a pin. This pin is very important because it will enable you open a bank account while also helping to keep your personal and business transactions separate.

 Register with Estate Agents Registration Board

Armed with company name, visit the Estate Agents Registration Board(EARB), which is a regulatory body for estate agency practice in Kenya. EARB is charged with the responsibility of registering estate agents and ensuring that the competence and conduct of practicing estate agents are of a standard sufficiently high to ensure the protection of the public. In case you missed it, we have detailed a separate process of registration with EARB.

 Establish A Web Presence

Create a real estate website  and start building your brand all over the internet. The website should also include a professional email address. It will look much more professional to communicate with real estate prospects and clients using an email address like [email protected] than your personal Gmail account. Additionally  set up social media accounts on popular social media platforms like Facebook.

Create promotional materials

Once your website is live, create promotional materials  with your website and office details. These materials include business cards and flyers Consider colors, images, fonts, and a logo in order to create a cohesive look for your brand.

Hire an assistant and get your Taxes right

Find someone to help you stay organized, run errands and sort your taxes on time. An assistant can help you to record and organize your day-to-day business and real estate transactions, keep your bank accounts balanced, produce simple reports, and assist with keeping your financial records in order. In case you do not have ability to hire, read about Real Estate Taxes in Kenya, taxation of rental income and capital gains taxes in real estate.

In case you want these services but do not want to hire a full-time staff, we have a solution for you! We shall provide you with a trained real estate assistant to help you pay your bills, maintain filing, run your errands to the lands office, take clients for site viewing, pay your bills while freeing you up for more important tasks. Just give us a call on 0726982982

Secure Office Space

An office is not necessarily required but is good to have so that you are accessible to clients. If your capital is limited, you can get a virtual/shared office then later move to your own office.

Start Selling

Now that you are all set up, you are ready to start. You will need to decide on a niche to focus on for starters. This could be plots for sale, letting of apartments or selling houses among other ideas you may have. We have already created guides on daily habits of successful real estate agents, networking as a real estate agent and how to create trust. With this knowledge, you will be unstoppable!

So don’t hold back. Spread your wings and fly!

If you’re intending to sell your property, you’ll want to make sure you get the greatest price and a quick sale, so getting your property ready for buyers is crucial. Find out what you should do before putting your home on the market in order to get a good price and a lot of offers, such as upgrading your home, figuring out what documentation you’ll need, and selecting a real estate agent The following are some things you need to do before you list your property on the market.

 Evaluate the local housing market.

Make sure you complete your homework with the value of your home. Evaluate your local housing market. For a list of the best prices for your property, look for comparable sales in your area. Check out the many square drawings of competitors, features and location. Finally, think of how they compare to your property. Naturally, a paid real estate agent should be able to help you find similar properties and determine the value of your home.

Keep your house clean

The first appearance means a lot. So don’t let bad smells, dirty floors or dusty places do harm to a potential buyer. Give your property a clean slate before listing it (and the entire sales process). This means cleaning toilets, cleaning the floor, sweeping the floor, cleaning the mats and scrubbing the toilets. Consider calling a to make sure your space is in good condition. Many studies have shown that keeping a home clean can help it sell faster and for a greater price. Fortunately, decorating your home’s interior is simple and inexpensive.

Hire a professional photographer

Given the many potential buyers looking for homes online, it is important to include high quality, professional photos on your online list. In addition to the excellent high-resolution images, potential buyers can look at your property. So, before you put your property on the market, keep hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of your clean and tidy location. Good images will sell your home quickly. Check The complete guide on how to take Real Estate photos

Find a professional listing agent

We strongly advise you to list your property with a professional real estate agent. When communicating with a listing agent, be sure to inquire about their local knowledge, potential customer contact and communication expertise. Realtor should provide you with a detailed plan for how they will put your home on the market.

How to List Properties on Property254

Be honest with the work required

If the property is not modern then market it that way. There are a lot of people who want a fixer-upper and this will be your intended buyer. For some people the fact that they will move out of the old kitchen or bathroom may be attractive because they may already have something straight in mind, but be aware that this will reduce the cost of your home. If you want to get a higher price, you may want to renovate these rooms, with a new kitchen and a bathroom that is estimated to increase the price of a house. The kitchen and toilets are the most crucial rooms: make sure they are pristine and odorless, even if they are quite old.

Make sure to arrange your papers in an orderly manner.

Before you list your home on the market make sure you have a duplicate of your home’s title will be needed to affirm that you are the owner. It is best to cover this in advance to avoid any delays as some of you may catch things. You will need your documents, such as ID as part of the anti-money laundering laws, and if you apply for a loan, you will also need bank statements. If you do not have your deeds the lawyer who used to buy your house must have a copy. If you live in your home for a long time, the Registry will only have a copy if you have registered it voluntarily, then you will need to contact your lender. If you cannot get a copy from your provider or attorney you will need to apply for a Title from the Registry, which may take some time to process.

Bottom Line

Most investors want to get the highest price and sell their property in the shortest possible time. While part of this is due to the agent’s effective marketing of the region to potential purchasers, the most crucial aspect is to create a space that they might be interested in purchasing. Are you ready to sell your home and looking for a new one? Take a look at our Website.

2024 is here with us. With a new year comes a fresh start and new opportunities. We all aspire to do more. As a real estate agent, we have identified a few areas that are guaranteed to give you more returns if you prioritize them. These are:

          Develop a strong business plan.

          Revamping and revising your website

          Expanding your network.

          Engage more on social media.

1.     Building and sticking to a Business Plan for 2024

Every agent needs a plan to succeed. A real estate business plan keeps you accountable, on track and allows you to stay current with market trends. A good plan helps keep you ahead of the competition.

Here’s what a good real estate agent business plan will show you:

     Where you are today

    Where you want to be

     How you’ll get there

     How to measure your performance

     When and where to make a course correction

Remember, failure to plan is planning to fail! Here is a good real estate business plan template.

2.     Engage more on social media.

Today’s real estate agents spend a lot of time using social media. But is it helping you generate business? Do you have a presence on multiple social media channels yet find yourself only using one or two? It may be time to close out those old, unused accounts or simply add a pinned post directing visitors to the platform you use most.

Look at the performance on your favourite platform over the last year. What worked and what didn’t? Take some time to create a plan for social media and make it an action item. Facebook remains one of the best social media platforms for real estate agents, so find ways to grow Facebook audience engagement so that you can post like a pro.

Need support to post, share your content and engage with your customers? Call us on 0726982982 for a fair pricing on social media support.

3.     Build a network of trusted real Estate Agents

Creating a strong real estate network is incredibly valuable for real estate agents. After all, your real estate network is the backbone of your business and provides connections that will help you run your business efficiently and effectively.  We have created a list of networking tips for real estate agents in Kenya that are priceless. Although it’s easy to view other agents as competition, there is a lot we can learn from each other.

Learning how to network effectively is a must if you work in real estate. Start by being willing to put yourself out there and meet new people to be successful anywhere.

4.     Revamping and revising your website

Your website is as important as an office. When you get into the office, you ensure its clean every day. Do you do the same for your website? Check if your website is up-to-date and attractive, providing the authority-building information you need to bring in clients.

Look at your website with a fresh eye. Here are some places to focus:

1.                   Pull up your site on your computer and your phone and look for performance or alignment differences. How fast does it load? Does it look comparable to other websites that you visit?

2.                   Consider functionality. If you were a seller, how easy would it be to find information aimed at you? What if you were a buyer? How easy is it to share a blog post or to visit your social media platforms?

3.                   Now, go to other agent sites. How does your website compare? Do they have more content? Better images? Are the property descriptions better on their websites?

Use the information you’ve gathered to consider what you may need to do to improve your website. We can help you improve your website, or we can also review the same for you and make recommendations on what you need to improve.

If you do not have a website, then no problem. Start by creating an account with us, list your properties and customers will find you.

The above tips will help, but these should not be all that you do. Do more but focus on a few ones that you estimate to have the greatest impact. Have plans for either short, medium and long term. Don’t wait to have a perfect plan that you could implement too late, start with a good plan and systematically improve it so that it becomes that great plan you need to scale in 2023.

Amalgamation involves the combination of two or more pieces of land that are under separate titles into one piece of land with only one title. Amalgamation renders the title deeds for the various sub-units null and void by merging them into one new title deed.

Amalgamation is the opposite of subdivision which is the process of dividing one piece of land to several plots. In case you missed it, you can read more about the process of subdividing land to numerous plots.

The process of amalgamation of land involves the drafting of an amalgamation/subdivision plan/scheme showing the plots to be combined. The investor, through a registered physical planner makes an application to the County Government through filling in PPA 1 form attaching the plan/scheme and a planning brief explaining why the amalgamation or subdivision is in line with the policy. The requisite fee will be paid to the County government and the receipt annexed to the planning Brief presented to the County Government.

Requirements.

For amalgamations, you need to include:

Dully filled P.P.A 1 forms in triplicate submitted and signed by a Registered Physical Planner

Amalgamation/Subdivision Scheme (5 Blue prints and 1 Linen print)

Planning Brief by a Registered Physical Planner (signed accordingly)

Ownership documents (Title Deed)

Comprehensive Location Plan

Application fee receipt

Rates payment receipts

 
Professional & Statutory Costs

The Statutory & Professionals Costs involved for the amalgamation/subdivision application are particularized below:

Application fee (Fee is charged per plot subdivided or amalgamated and varies in different counties)

PPA 1 form fee (Is always Ksh.1000 in all counties)

Professional Fee (Depends on the size of the project and the area the property is located)

 Conclusion

I hope the above covers general questions you may have. Should you however need further clarifications, we remain available for further consultation. If you require a qualified land surveyor, you can reach out to Steddy Trading Real Estate on 0722244971 or write to us on [email protected].

You can also put your comment or questions below.https://www.youtube.com/embed/BxvT-qT-7R0?start=68

Over the past decade, the real estate sector in Kenya has become increasingly digital. Consumers are going online at a rapid pace to look for information to support their buying decisions. Nine out of ten home buyers today rely on the internet as one of their primary research sources. Additionally, 51 Percent of purchasers turn to the web as their first step in the buying process. In today’s complex, rapidly changing, and digitally driven media environment, capturing a buyer’s attention to build a real estate business is tougher than ever.

Having a well-developed brand and strong online presence should be important to any real estate professional. This is where we come in to help you. We provide you with a unique platform to network with other real estate, gain more brand exposure and build credibility as a trusted resource in the real estate sector in Kenya. We do this by:

1. Building Your Online presence

In a recent study by Zillow Group, 87 percent of home buyers surveyed indicated that they used an online resource when searching for homes.  Given the overwhelming online trend, it’s more important than ever that you showcase your diverse skills so that consumers can find you quickly and easily. We give you the ability to show all products that you have for sale- both current and past listings, all in one place. 

Recent sales demonstrate your local market expertise and experience. Customers use this criteria to choose the right agent to contact. Make sure every transaction you have done is uploaded to your agent profile. 

By using our website, you can showcase your experience in the industry and be contacted easily. When you log in to your profile, you can then update your professional bio. Your professional bio is a great way to connect with potential clients and showcase your credibility and the value of your services. Use this section to highlight specialties, expertise, credentials, accomplishments and memberships.

Click here to Login here to create an account

2. Helping you gain and showcase your network

You’ve heard it a million times and know from experience that real estate is all about relationships. You network to build your sphere of influence and connect with new people. 34 percent of all sales are done by two agents working together. By listing with us, it makes other real estate agents in Kenya to find and contact you in our agent finder platform. If you are close to 5 other agents, we provide you with the ability to multiply this. Just to remind you of the old saying- your network is your net worth.

3. Collating your reviews in one place

Reviews have arguably the largest impact on your profile effectiveness. Customers want to work with a professional who has received praise from other buyers and sellers.

Take a minute and search for yourself on Google. Try entering your name, followed by the phrase real estate. What kind of results popped up? If you’re like most agents, you likely found a few links to your social media profiles or your personal real estate website.

Now put yourself in the mindset of someone looking to buy or sell their home. Maybe they came across your name in a property listing, or perhaps they are friends with one of your past clients. Either way, would your online presence be enough to convince you to hire yourself?

Younger buyers put a high level of value on finding an agent that’s honest and trustworthy. Similarly, older buyers are looking to work with someone with a positive reputation and extensive knowledge. If you’re not known for being an honest, reliable and knowledgeable agent, you’re at a severe disadvantage to your competition.

4. Helping you develop personal websites

While we work very hard to ensure that we give you the best online presence, you may find that a personal website if still necessary. This is because you may want to share more information about yourself than just what you can share on our website.

Your personal website can be the backbone of your entire online presence. When prospective clients search for you, it’s probably going to be one of the first things they see. Your website’s sole purpose is to promote your brand and business, and as such it should be designed to generate results. You must have noticed our website is easy to use. If you need such a website, we have readymade templates that can be customized to your needs so that we can get you online quickly.

Just give us a call on 0726982982.

5. Social media support

Social media has made it much easier for the average real estate professional to increase their exposure without drastically increasing their marketing budget. Although it’s next to impossible to keep track of all the social media platforms out there, the most popular sites to focus on include Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We can help you develop content to keep your fans, followers and connections engaged. This allows you to concentrate on other aspects of your business.

6. Helping you create a blog. 

Delivered on a consistent basis, compelling and engaging blog content can attract any number of followers and increase your online presence. A blog gives you a voice and identity. It can help you connect with potential clients, letting them know who you are, what your values are, and what you’re most knowledgeable about. 

Once you register and log in to your account, you can create articles that showcase your experience in the real estate sector in Kenya. By creating blogs, you gain credibility of your abilities and build a network of clients that depend on your knowledge. You can read blogs created by other agents in our blog page.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your personal brand is going to continue to define itself whether you intentionally contribute to its development and growth. If you want to set yourself up for success, you need to take control of your personal brand and frame it so that it fits in with your professional goals and ambitions. With consumers having such widespread access to information, one of the most dangerous things to your business isn’t having a negative online reputation  it’s having no real online presence at all.

By registering and listing your properties with us, we can work together to ensure you get a better online presence, gain more exposure which increases the possibilities of increasing your sales.