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- April 12, 2025
- Building, Education, Entertainment, Land Banking, Real-estate
- 04 Mins
SAFETY IN REAL ESTATE FOR BOTH CLIENTS AND AGENTS
It is commendable that you are seeking advice to protect prospective customers from potential dangers associated with individuals posing as real estate agents for nefarious purposes, such as ritual killings. While it’s important to acknowledge that such extreme cases are rare, vigilance and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for all real estate agents in Nigeria.
Here’s some advice to help real estate agents in Nigeria safeguard their prospective customers:
GENERAL SAFETY AND DUE DILIGENCE:-
• Verify Client Information: Always try to verify the identity of prospective clients before scheduling property viewings. Request identification and, if possible, cross-reference their details through publicly available records or social media.
• Initial Meetings in Safe Locations: Consider holding the initial meeting with a new client in a public place or your office rather than directly at a property, especially if it’s in a remote or unfamiliar area.
• Inform Someone of Your Schedule: Always let a colleague, friend, or family member know your schedule, including the names and contact information of your clients and the locations you will be visiting. Use location-sharing apps if necessary.
• Avoid Showing Properties Alone: If possible, avoid showing properties to unknown clients alone, especially in isolated locations or after dark. Arrange for a colleague or trusted individual to accompany you.
• Be Aware of Property Layouts and Exits: Before a showing, familiarize yourself with the property layout and identify all possible exits. Ensure you are never positioned in a way that blocks your access to an exit.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, do not hesitate to end the meeting and leave. Your safety is paramount.
• Limit Personal Information: Be cautious about the personal information you share with clients. Use a dedicated work phone number and avoid disclosing your home address or other sensitive details.
• Secure Transportation: Avoid driving clients in your personal vehicle if you feel uneasy. Suggest they follow in their own car. If you must drive them, maintain control of the situation.
• Carry a Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tool: Consider carrying a non-lethal self-defense tool like pepper spray and know how to use it.
• Take Self-Defense Training: Basic self-defense training can provide you with valuable skills and confidence in potentially dangerous situations.
• Utilize Technology: Explore safety apps that can alert emergency contacts or authorities if you find yourself in danger.
PROTECTING CLIENTS FROM RITUALISTS POSING AS AGENTS:-
• Be Wary of Unusual Behavior: Pay close attention to any unusual or unsettling behavior from clients. This could include excessive secrecy, insistence on meeting at odd hours or in very isolated locations, or strange questions unrelated to the property.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions with clients, including meeting times, locations, and any specific requests or behaviors.
• Involve Others: If a client’s behavior raises concerns, share these concerns with colleagues or your agency for advice and support.
• Avoid Rushing Transactions: Be wary of clients who pressure you or prospective buyers to rush through transactions or make immediate payments without proper due diligence.
• Verify Property Ownership Independently: Always conduct thorough due diligence on the property and its ownership through official channels. Do not rely solely on the information provided by the agent or seller. Engage a trusted legal practitioner to verify documents and conduct necessary searches.
• Encourage Thorough Property Inspections: Advise prospective buyers to conduct thorough physical inspections of the property at different times of the day and, if possible, with a trusted professional such as a surveyor.
• Promote Secure Payment Methods: Advise clients to avoid cash payments and instead use traceable methods like bank transfers or certified checks, made payable to the verified property owner or their legitimate legal representatives. Insist on meeting the landlord or their direct representative for rental payments.
• Be Suspicious of Unusually Low Prices: Properties offered at significantly lower prices than the market rate should be treated with extreme caution, as this can be a tactic to lure unsuspecting victims.
• Educate Prospective Buyers: Inform your clients about the importance of due diligence, independent verification, and the potential risks of dealing with unverified individuals in the real estate sector. Encourage them to seek independent legal counsel.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any individual or situation that raises serious concerns about potential criminal activity, report it immediately to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
ETHICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR AGENTS:-
• Proper Licensing and Registration: Ensure you are a properly licensed and registered real estate agent with the relevant authorities in Nigeria (e.g., Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria – ESVARBON). Operate within the legal framework and ethical guidelines of the profession.
• Transparency and Honesty: Maintain transparency and honesty in all your dealings. Provide accurate information about properties and avoid any form of misrepresentation.
• Client’s Best Interest: Always act in the best interest of your clients and provide them with sound advice.
• Compliance with Regulations: Stay updated on and comply with all relevant real estate laws and regulations in Nigeria.
By adhering to these safety measures and maintaining a high level of vigilance, real estate agents in Nigeria can significantly reduce the risks for themselves and their prospective customers, safeguarding them from potential harm and fraudulent activities.