Have you ever searched for accommodation in Lagos? So you know how House Agents in Lagos are the problems to renting a house. Oh, these real estate agents will reduce you to nothing.
They say that Lagos, Nigeria is the only city that doesn’t say, “Welcome to Lagos” to new arrivals. The billboard says, “This is Lagos.”
I have also heard a million times that “Person wey no wise for Lagos no fit wise anywhere.” But I am an Aba boy, and we are known for our smartness. If you are not wise in Aba, you cannot enter Ariria or Ngwaroad or else umu Aba emee gi thirty (meaning Aba boys will show you pepper).
But what differentiates Aba wisdom from that of Lagos surfaces when you decide to search for accommodation in Lagos. House Agents will disgrace you and reduce the quality of your lifestyle.
I found that there are three types of House Agents in Lagos;
- The ones that collect that 3k that is dear to their hearts and abandon you to your fate
- The ones that have ears but do not use them
- The ones with no property to themselves.
The 3k agents: Before these Agents answer you in Lagos, you must purchase and fill their form. Prices of this form differ, but certainly not below 2k. Now, this category of agents are those who will give you a form to fill, and after you’ve paid the non-refundable fee, they’ll promise to update you, and that is the end. You’ll wait for their call until you forget about them.
The Ones that have Ears and do not use them: This category harbours agents who are out to frustrate you. You tell him that you want a home that is clean, tiled, and fenced, and he would say that he has the perfect home. Then, he takes you to the slums. The annoying thing about this set of people is the part where they say, “Sorry, Oga. I think say you go like am. You fit tile am, come clean am to your taste.” Imagine that.
The ones that have no single property: These agents have no single property under their agency. It’s always their colleague’s property. Then they would call you and tell you to come out for an inspection of a place they’ve never seen. You enter a cab or Okada with him and his colleague (s), which you will pay for, and begin a journey that will be fruitless in the end. You are the one paying the t-fare, so they don’t care. They’ve shown you a place. The most annoying thing here is the part when they say, “Pay the driver” authoritatively. They believe you need them and they have the negotiating power.
Should I begin to narrate the ordeal from those agents who will increase the price of rents so that their agency percentage can increase? Or those who will flagrantly place a high percentage rate of agency fees? Or those who will masterfully claim there is a service charge where there is none, only for you to find out that the Landlord’s or the community takes care of such things as security without an extra cost to tenants?
Brethren, I have seen it all. Before you ask me ‘what about the good ones?’, do note that as of the time of this publication, I am still dealing with the bad ones. I have not met a single professional agent with integrity. What can I do? Na hustle carry me come Lagos.
As I said, abu m nwa Aba – I am an Aba boy, but what I have seen while house hunting in Lagos is a story I would rather tell another day. Probably when I find a place. Someone has suggested PropertyPro to me.
For now, do you have your share of experience with House Agents in Lagos or other cities? Kindly fill us in on your experience in the comment section below.
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