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Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos - Properties (2) - Nairaland

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Lady House Hunting Shares Photo Of Kitchen In Apartment She Was Asked To Inspect / House Hunting, What's The Most Ridiculous Thing An Agent Has Done/said To You? / How To Calculate Number Of Blocks For Your Building Project In 2 Simple Steps. (2) (3) (4)

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Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by bmdmix11: 1:44pm On Sep 15, 2021
English na him u dey speak.

1 find house
2 e make sense d way u like am, negotiate dem no gree waka
3 if they gree pay to landlord or lawyer but remeber to tell them this.



If the house nah scam am not just collecting my money back am bringing hell to u all, i dont have time for wait we will we all gonna have a mini hell so who am i paying to
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by HRHQueenPhil(f): 1:45pm On Sep 15, 2021
The simple step is to go offline and ask questions, talk to gate men and hold loads of cash...go with someone and pay dat day with receipt to landlord if u like d house

2 Likes

Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by Lawalemi(m): 1:51pm On Sep 15, 2021
This one na grammar
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by November24(f): 1:51pm On Sep 15, 2021
ElprimaHomes:
Finding a house to rent in Lagos is probably more treacherous than going on a mission to appease the gods and evil forest.
We have heard the most heartbreaking stories from would-be renters. Some have had their money's absconded with by unscrupulous housing agents through dubious schemes. Some have rented houses with no functional utilities, which they only found out about after renting. Yet, many more have been in the market for months searching with no success in finding a house.

If you have heard or read these horror stories from house hunters about their terrible experiences in house hunting in Lagos, and have always wondered how to uccessfully house hun in the Center of Excellence, read the following unbreakable steps, which will serve as a guide on your house hunting journey.


1. Know What You Want:
A duplex? A bungalow? How many rooms?
These and so many questions are vital in keeping your search focused. In my experience as an agent, a lot of house hunters have no specific type of house they want, and this eventually leads to wild goose chases and frustration on both the part of the renter and the agent. You can increase your chances of success, and save yourself some time, energy and resources, and those of your agent as well, by knowing exactly what you want and sticking to it.

2. Know Where You Want It:
In addition to point 1 above, having a particular location in mind is another unbreakable step. Having an area in mind streamlines your search and guides you on which agents to work with. You may go to any area of your choosing and ask residents in that location about a trusted housing agent, and many people will be willing and happy to help you out. Alternatively, you can simply google estate agents in that location and take a pick from the results Google presents.

3. Ascertain The Average Cost:
You may be wondering how to do this, but all you have to do is visit property listing websites like Jiji, or Nigeria Property Centre. On thee sites, a lot of the kind of house you are looking for will be listed. By looking around these websites, you should be able to confidently determine if you can afford the house in that locality if you have to look in another neighborhood.

4. Size Up Offerings:
Closely related to Point 3. As you're looking at prices you should also look at the quality of the houses listed, and how much they cost. Two houses side by side, on the same street could have a gulf in cost of rent based on nothing other than quality.
Such things to consider are:
i. UTILITIES: Is there any provision for running water, or will you have to see to that yourself? Are the bedrooms ensuite, or does the whole house share only one bathroom and toilet? Is there a general generator or are you supposed to come with yours? Are the rooms tiled? Are there already cabinets in the kitchen or do you have to have a have to contract a carpenter to make them? Does your compound have cleaners? Etc
ii. SECURITY: In addition to neighborhood security arrangements, does the house you look into rent have a security/gateman or not?

5. Make Contact:
If you have gone online to search for a house and found any to your liking, you should then contact the listing agent (their contact details are usually posted along with the houses).
You can then ask any further questions, and confirm that the house you are interested in is still available. If that particular one is longer on the market, you can ask if the agent has others, and be sure to request pictures of any unlisted but available houses. If you are satisfied with the pictures shown, fix an appointment for an inspection.

6. Go On Tour/Inspection:
This may be one of the most difficult aspects of house hunting because a lot of agents take advantage of house hunters by repeatedly charging them inspection fees (which are usually between ₦3, 000 and ₦10, 000).
If, however, if you have gone through steps 1-5, this should be a formality and more of a confirmation exercise that your desired house is indeed available in the condition the pictures depict.
With regard to the inspection fee, you can avoid paying it if you rent the house immediately after inspection. This way, your only expenses are the cost of the rent, and any transport costs you may have incurred going on the inspection. If you decide not to pay for the apartment, then you may have to pay the inspection fee.

7. Meet The Landlord/Caretaker
If you decide you like the house and wish to pay, then meeting the landlord or caretaker should be your next step.
I strongly advise against paying any money to the agent as it may end in tears. The caretaker, could be a Facility Manager or lawyer or an informal representative of the landlord, and is authorized by the landlord to receive payments and issue receipts bearing your name, the amount paid, and the duration of your rent.

8. Pay And Take Possession Immediately:
Well, no time to waste. If you like the house and wish to move in, it will be wise to make the payment as soon as possible. Chances are, you aren't the only house on town the market, our landlords only loyal to money. There are instances of landlords returning money to would be renters who refused to take possession immediately they paid because someone was willing to pay a higher rent and even higher legal and agency fees.
You should demand the keys for the house as soon as you have made payments. If possible, change the locks immediately or install a new padlock. If the landlord returns your money there's nothing you can do, but start the house-hunting process afresh.

9. Move In:
Well, after going through steps one to eight above the next logical thing is for you to move in and begin to enjoy your new house. You should even launch a bottle of wine to celebrate your success.



You might want to go through this list again to make sure you haven't missed anything or you can just bookmark this thread and refer to it when next you're looking for a house or share with a friends and family.

I guarantee that by following these steps religiously, you cannot go wrong when it comes to house hunting in Lagos.

Good luck.

Steps without solution
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by Lastmankc(m): 1:52pm On Sep 15, 2021
Baba, you don't even include asking for the utilities bills like phcn and water in that your house because some houses are owing bills of phcn running to million of naira.In addition,ask about the security of the area.Is it a place where criminals or robbers visit all the time.And lastly,the spiritual background of the house matters alot.
For you to know this, you must be a spiritual gorilla or you must open your third eyes.You can still ask questions about the house from neighbors and people in the area.Most houses are occultic house and by the time you go in there,you will be annihilated for life unless if you are a gorrila in the spirit.

3 Likes

Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by BennyDGreat: 1:52pm On Sep 15, 2021
HRHQueenPhil:
The simple step is to go offline and ask questions, talk to gate men and hold loads of cash...go with someone and pay dat day with receipt to landlord if u like d house

Confam street OT
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by CHINESEENGLISH: 1:53pm On Sep 15, 2021
Nice
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by Eze2000(m): 1:53pm On Sep 15, 2021
museveni:
If possible rent during rainy season.


Best advice ever.

Especially when buying land.
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by QuickStandard: 1:53pm On Sep 15, 2021
The best advice you can give any house hunter is Lagos, is, do not rent a house during dry season or summer. Cos when it starts raining or winter, you will know village people are after your life grin

1 Like

Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by HRHQueenPhil(f): 1:57pm On Sep 15, 2021
BennyDGreat:


Confam street OT
thanks boss ben

1 Like

Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by litaninja(m): 2:05pm On Sep 15, 2021
Visit the place multiple times, for extended periods over a couple of days.
Some places turn to beer palours at night, churches during the weekend and betting centres at other times. You might not find this out until after payment has been made if yo only visit once.

1 Like

Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by piehorse: 2:09pm On Sep 15, 2021
Agency, commission and the rest of the Extortion schemes should be scrapped In Lagos.

Beats me how Agency bill is close to 100% of the main rent itself.
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by Jorge91: 2:17pm On Sep 15, 2021
ElprimaHomes:
Finding a house to rent in Lagos is probably more treacherous than going on a mission to appease the gods and evil forest.
We have heard the most heartbreaking stories from would-be renters. Some have had their money's absconded with by unscrupulous housing agents through dubious schemes. Some have rented houses with no functional utilities, which they only found out about after renting. Yet, many more have been in the market for months searching with no success in finding a house.

If you have heard or read these horror stories from house hunters about their terrible experiences in house hunting in Lagos, and have always wondered how to uccessfully house hun in the Center of Excellence, read the following unbreakable steps, which will serve as a guide on your house hunting journey.


1. Know What You Want:
A duplex? A bungalow? How many rooms?
These and so many questions are vital in keeping your search focused. In my experience as an agent, a lot of house hunters have no specific type of house they want, and this eventually leads to wild goose chases and frustration on both the part of the renter and the agent. You can increase your chances of success, and save yourself some time, energy and resources, and those of your agent as well, by knowing exactly what you want and sticking to it.

2. Know Where You Want It:
In addition to point 1 above, having a particular location in mind is another unbreakable step. Having an area in mind streamlines your search and guides you on which agents to work with. You may go to any area of your choosing and ask residents in that location about a trusted housing agent, and many people will be willing and happy to help you out. Alternatively, you can simply google estate agents in that location and take a pick from the results Google presents.

3. Ascertain The Average Cost:
You may be wondering how to do this, but all you have to do is visit property listing websites like Jiji, or Nigeria Property Centre. On thee sites, a lot of the kind of house you are looking for will be listed. By looking around these websites, you should be able to confidently determine if you can afford the house in that locality if you have to look in another neighborhood.

4. Size Up Offerings:
Closely related to Point 3. As you're looking at prices you should also look at the quality of the houses listed, and how much they cost. Two houses side by side, on the same street could have a gulf in cost of rent based on nothing other than quality.
Such things to consider are:
i. UTILITIES: Is there any provision for running water, or will you have to see to that yourself? Are the bedrooms ensuite, or does the whole house share only one bathroom and toilet? Is there a general generator or are you supposed to come with yours? Are the rooms tiled? Are there already cabinets in the kitchen or do you have to have a have to contract a carpenter to make them? Does your compound have cleaners? Etc
ii. SECURITY: In addition to neighborhood security arrangements, does the house you look into rent have a security/gateman or not?

5. Make Contact:
If you have gone online to search for a house and found any to your liking, you should then contact the listing agent (their contact details are usually posted along with the houses).
You can then ask any further questions, and confirm that the house you are interested in is still available. If that particular one is longer on the market, you can ask if the agent has others, and be sure to request pictures of any unlisted but available houses. If you are satisfied with the pictures shown, fix an appointment for an inspection.

6. Go On Tour/Inspection:
This may be one of the most difficult aspects of house hunting because a lot of agents take advantage of house hunters by repeatedly charging them inspection fees (which are usually between ₦3, 000 and ₦10, 000).
If, however, if you have gone through steps 1-5, this should be a formality and more of a confirmation exercise that your desired house is indeed available in the condition the pictures depict.
With regard to the inspection fee, you can avoid paying it if you rent the house immediately after inspection. This way, your only expenses are the cost of the rent, and any transport costs you may have incurred going on the inspection. If you decide not to pay for the apartment, then you may have to pay the inspection fee.

7. Meet The Landlord/Caretaker
If you decide you like the house and wish to pay, then meeting the landlord or caretaker should be your next step.
I strongly advise against paying any money to the agent as it may end in tears. The caretaker, could be a Facility Manager or lawyer or an informal representative of the landlord, and is authorized by the landlord to receive payments and issue receipts bearing your name, the amount paid, and the duration of your rent.

8. Pay And Take Possession Immediately:
Well, no time to waste. If you like the house and wish to move in, it will be wise to make the payment as soon as possible. Chances are, you aren't the only house on town the market, our landlords only loyal to money. There are instances of landlords returning money to would be renters who refused to take possession immediately they paid because someone was willing to pay a higher rent and even higher legal and agency fees.
You should demand the keys for the house as soon as you have made payments. If possible, change the locks immediately or install a new padlock. If the landlord returns your money there's nothing you can do, but start the house-hunting process afresh.

9. Move In:
Well, after going through steps one to eight above the next logical thing is for you to move in and begin to enjoy your new house. You should even launch a bottle of wine to celebrate your success.



You might want to go through this list again to make sure you haven't missed anything or you can just bookmark this thread and refer to it when next you're looking for a house or share with a friends and family.

I guarantee that by following these steps religiously, you cannot go wrong when it comes to house hunting in Lagos.

Good luck.
Brand new house is still the real deal, but be ready for extra expenses in cases Crazy plumber.
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by VAGMarie08(f): 2:37pm On Sep 15, 2021
Also take cognisance of the following:
#Which way does the house face?
Don't be shy about taking a compass with you to the viewing. You might have one on your phone. With bi-fold doors all the rage , be aware that in moments of sunshine the solar gain can make the room unbearably warm, so try and visit and spend some time in that room when the sun's out.

Our property listing site is newly launched.

https://www.ogatenant.com

You can check it out for property to rent/buy/sell.

Property Agents can upload a property free

We are currently running a one year free subscription promo for the first 36 property Agents to sign up.
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by AmazingELixir: 2:37pm On Sep 15, 2021
grin

Op your list is not complete...the best time to inspect a house in Lagos or indeed anywhere in Nigeria is at the peak of raining season.

And more importantly try to ask around the neighbourhood about the house you want to rent if it's got history to make one grow wings and also the personality of the landlord or land lady...make e nobi say na baba or mama olowo house person wan rent.

Thank me later.
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by duality(m): 3:59pm On Sep 15, 2021
Naughtysex:
House agents are bastard, they intentionally help the house owner to increase the house rent just for them to increase their own fees

@ OP, is this not the same way people have been doing it?

Gbam!
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by Kokopiper: 4:03pm On Sep 15, 2021
Also note any house close to the bus stop is expensive.

Looking for a cozy apartment to relax and unwind for a couple of days or months? we have something for you in Lekki, Chevron, and Ikate at affordable prices. 07047530178
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by Gfskw: 5:36pm On Sep 15, 2021
Ok
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by tweakdude1: 5:46pm On Sep 15, 2021
museveni:
If possible rent during rainy season.

This is the best
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by ElprimaHomes: 8:08pm On Sep 15, 2021
fineboynl:
My present predicament. Right on time topic.

The problem is that every agent want you to pay registration fee there after they take you to rubbish property that is contrarily to what you wanted.

What kind of house are you looking for and where?

You can hit my whatsapp here: https:///I58Fe4M4KY
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by Yaks02(m): 11:11pm On Sep 15, 2021
A very good self contain apartment available in Lekki
Hit me up if interested
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by hahn(m): 11:27pm On Sep 15, 2021
stabilizer:
smiley wink wink


If you read this writeup from the beginning to the end and you no Smile....you are obviously rich for now grin

Bro no joy to smile o angry
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by ElprimaHomes: 3:54am On Sep 16, 2021
stabilizer:
smiley wink wink


If you read this writeup from the beginning to the end and you no Smile....you are obviously rich for now grin

Glad you found it useful smiley
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by yom2(m): 5:13am On Sep 16, 2021
fineboynl:
My present predicament. Right on time topic.

The problem is that every agent want you to pay registration fee there after they take you to rubbish property that is contrarily to what you wanted.
one of d reasons why dis occurs is that many of d home hunters too are unrealistic with their budgets and expectations or plain ignorant of d current trends. Some are even not ready or prepared with their funds. Ending up stressing and wasting d agents time and money. The more reason most agents insist on registration and inspection fees.
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by yom2(m): 5:29am On Sep 16, 2021
ElprimaHomes:
Finding a house to rent in Lagos is probably more treacherous than going on a mission to appease the gods and evil forest.
We have heard the most heartbreaking stories from would-be renters. Some have had their money's absconded with by unscrupulous housing agents through dubious schemes. Some have rented houses with no functional utilities, which they only found out about after renting. Yet, many more have been in the market for months searching with no success in finding a house.

If you have heard or read these horror stories from house hunters about their terrible experiences in house hunting in Lagos, and have always wondered how to uccessfully house hun in the Center of Excellence, read the following unbreakable steps, which will serve as a guide on your house hunting journey.


1. Know What You Want:
A duplex? A bungalow? How many rooms?
These and so many questions are vital in keeping your search focused. In my experience as an agent, a lot of house hunters have no specific type of house they want, and this eventually leads to wild goose chases and frustration on both the part of the renter and the agent. You can increase your chances of success, and save yourself some time, energy and resources, and those of your agent as well, by knowing exactly what you want and sticking to it.

2. Know Where You Want It:
In addition to point 1 above, having a particular location in mind is another unbreakable step. Having an area in mind streamlines your search and guides you on which agents to work with. You may go to any area of your choosing and ask residents in that location about a trusted housing agent, and many people will be willing and happy to help you out. Alternatively, you can simply google estate agents in that location and take a pick from the results Google presents.

3. Ascertain The Average Cost:
You may be wondering how to do this, but all you have to do is visit property listing websites like Jiji, or Nigeria Property Centre. On thee sites, a lot of the kind of house you are looking for will be listed. By looking around these websites, you should be able to confidently determine if you can afford the house in that locality if you have to look in another neighborhood.

4. Size Up Offerings:
Closely related to Point 3. As you're looking at prices you should also look at the quality of the houses listed, and how much they cost. Two houses side by side, on the same street could have a gulf in cost of rent based on nothing other than quality.
Such things to consider are:
i. UTILITIES: Is there any provision for running water, or will you have to see to that yourself? Are the bedrooms ensuite, or does the whole house share only one bathroom and toilet? Is there a general generator or are you supposed to come with yours? Are the rooms tiled? Are there already cabinets in the kitchen or do you have to have a have to contract a carpenter to make them? Does your compound have cleaners? Etc
ii. SECURITY: In addition to neighborhood security arrangements, does the house you look into rent have a security/gateman or not?

5. Make Contact:
If you have gone online to search for a house and found any to your liking, you should then contact the listing agent (their contact details are usually posted along with the houses).
You can then ask any further questions, and confirm that the house you are interested in is still available. If that particular one is longer on the market, you can ask if the agent has others, and be sure to request pictures of any unlisted but available houses. If you are satisfied with the pictures shown, fix an appointment for an inspection.

6. Go On Tour/Inspection:
This may be one of the most difficult aspects of house hunting because a lot of agents take advantage of house hunters by repeatedly charging them inspection fees (which are usually between ₦3, 000 and ₦10, 000).
If, however, if you have gone through steps 1-5, this should be a formality and more of a confirmation exercise that your desired house is indeed available in the condition the pictures depict.
With regard to the inspection fee, you can avoid paying it if you rent the house immediately after inspection. This way, your only expenses are the cost of the rent, and any transport costs you may have incurred going on the inspection. If you decide not to pay for the apartment, then you may have to pay the inspection fee.

7. Meet The Landlord/Caretaker
If you decide you like the house and wish to pay, then meeting the landlord or caretaker should be your next step.
I strongly advise against paying any money to the agent as it may end in tears. The caretaker, could be a Facility Manager or lawyer or an informal representative of the landlord, and is authorized by the landlord to receive payments and issue receipts bearing your name, the amount paid, and the duration of your rent.

8. Pay And Take Possession Immediately:
Well, no time to waste. If you like the house and wish to move in, it will be wise to make the payment as soon as possible. Chances are, you aren't the only house on town the market, our landlords only loyal to money. There are instances of landlords returning money to would be renters who refused to take possession immediately they paid because someone was willing to pay a higher rent and even higher legal and agency fees.
You should demand the keys for the house as soon as you have made payments. If possible, change the locks immediately or install a new padlock. If the landlord returns your money there's nothing you can do, but start the house-hunting process afresh.

9. Move In:
Well, after going through steps one to eight above the next logical thing is for you to move in and begin to enjoy your new house. You should even launch a bottle of wine to celebrate your success.



You might want to go through this list again to make sure you haven't missed anything or you can just bookmark this thread and refer to it when next you're looking for a house or share with a friends and family.

I guarantee that by following these steps religiously, you cannot go wrong when it comes to house hunting in Lagos.

Good luck.
how is that possible for u to have pictures of every available house when its not ur direct property. Note that some of d home seekers too are not even serious, committed or realistic with their budget and expectations. Frustrating and wasting d agents time and money. Note that we have flaky characters on both sides but its one side narration that is popular
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by ElprimaHomes: 10:53am On Sep 16, 2021
yom2:
how is that possible for u to have pictures of every available house when its not ur direct property. Note that some of d home seekers too are not even serious, committed or realistic with their budget and expectations. Frustrating and wasting d agents time and money. Note that we have flaky characters on both sides but its one side narration that is popular

I try as much as possible to get pictures, and if I don't I generally don't market them. Plus, I tell clients when there are no pictures so they know it might hit-or-miss

And you're right, a lot of clients are unrealistic, y serious and time wasters too. They want you to take them around at your own expense and they end up not renting from you. Imagine an agent incurring ₦2k on 10 clients and none patronises, na straight depression be dat grin
Re: Simple Steps To Successful House-hunting In Lagos by ElprimaHomes: 5:44pm On Sep 16, 2021
QuickStandard:
The best advice you can give any house hunter is Lagos, is, do not rent a house during dry season or summer. Cos when it starts raining or winter, you will know village people are after your life grin

Very true. Rainy reason house hunting is most beneficial. You basically see the house and area at its worst and decide whether it's for you or not

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