Tips and Guide for the Online Property Seeker

The advent of the internet has made it easier and more convenient to source for properties from the convenience of your home. Though it is convenient, there is a higher risk of falling into the hands of scammers online as opposed to one-on-one transactions.

Real estate scams may come in countless ways but there are certain tell signs that would help the property seeker tell if the transaction is legit or not. Below is a guide by RE/MAX Nigeria to help online property seekers; avoid falling victim to scam, and lastly, make their dream home a reality.

If It’s Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

One of the most important rules in real estate is that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Be skeptical about any online listings for attractive properties which are very well priced for the area. Scammers often use these very low prices to lure property seekers.

Verify The Identity of The Agent/Agency

Take steps to check that the agent you are dealing with is a licensed broker or agent. In the first instance, a simple online search can help you detect a scam. Try searching for the property’s address, the name of the agent, their email address and other necessary details. However, this step is not necessary when dealing with a recognized real estate agency like RE/MAX Nigeria. All our agents are registered with a unique ID and facial profile which can be easily verified on our website (www.remax,ng). To check up on a real estate agency/company, you can visit www.lasretrad.com to check up any real estate agency in Lagos. However, sometimes the LASRETRAD public database is not up-to-date, so it is recommended you call (+234(0)8033067946 or 01-8448145) LASRETRAD on phone and ask to verify the agent/company license.  

Arrange for a Personal Inspection of The Property

Never agree to make upfront payment or sign a contract without first inspecting the property. Some sellers will try to sell off houses they know have problems – like leaking roofs, bad toilet sink, flood prone environment– but will try to pass them off as perfectly habitable. Meeting the agent and viewing the property in person is one way to tell if the house is without fault and matches your personal preference.

Be Patient – Explore Other Options

Sometimes you stumble into a great deal, and there is this urge to act quickly before someone else does. But rushing means you have little time to question what you're doing. Moreover, there’s a possibility of finding a better deal if you are patient enough to see other properties within your budget range.

Avoid Listings That Have Been Posted Multiple Times

One common scam is for fraudsters to copy an existing (and legitimate) listing of a property for sale and repost it as a rental, with their own contact details attached. Look out for duplicate listings which have different asking prices.

Never Give Away Your Personal Information or Documents

You should never be asked to provide your bank account details or personal identification documents to someone over the internet. Importantly, never provide your credit card verification.

Seek The Help of a Arofessional Real Estate Agency

Looking for a home is a tedious exercise. To lighten the burden, and to ensure you get the best deal it is important to seek the help of a professional real estate agency. When you source for a home with RE/MAX you have peace of mind knowing that we are the No1 sellers of real estate in the world. Secondly, we will help you save time and money by taking you to the properties that best suit your preference and is within your budget range. In addition, our trained agents would ensure you get a fair deal and value for your money. Lastly, we do not compromise on customer service. We ensure that our clients get the best deal as well as value for their money. This doesn’t end after transaction is sealed. We also keep tabs with our clients via a 2 minute customer satisfaction survey to get their feedback about how we can serve them better. This and many more services we offer when you buy/lease a home with REMAX Nigeria. Visit our website today at www.remax.ng and buy/lease a home with RE/MAX. Together, we can make your dream home a reality!