If you have been house hunting recently, then you know it should be considered among 1000 ways to die.
It is not only draining, but it can be expensive especially when you are using ‘agents’.
Over the years there has been an increase in the number of ‘House hunting agents.’
These are people who help you search for a house of your choice at a fee.
It does not matter whether you like the house or not, as long as they have accompanied you in the search.
Such services range between Sh 500 to Sh 1,000 depending on where and who is helping you search.
Here is how to avoid being tricked by such agents
Never pay before meeting up.
If you have agreed with an agent that they will help you house hunt only agree to do so after the search.
In this day and age, it would not be a wonder if you pay first and the person disappears on you.
Do not meet the agent alone.
Truth be told, the world has become a scary place.
Kidnappings everywhere, sexual assaults among other negative vices. For safety purposes ensure you have company when meeting an agent, especially in secluded areas.
Also if you are a woman meeting an unknown male agent, it is better to be safe than to be sorry.
Inform someone about your whereabouts.
Always inform someone of where you are house hunting.
That way it would be easier to keep tabs on you.
Always Go To The Ground
Not all house agents are legit, the temptation to let the agent do all the work for you might be there.
But unless it is someone you have worked with before, go to the ground and house hunt with him/her.
Avoid getting into private cars with agents you are not familiar with
If possible drive in separate cars and meet at the designated location.
Always keep your phone on.
Stupid as it might sound, always keep your phone on in case someone wants to reach you.
Not being able to reach you might put people close to you in panic mode.
Do not be over-friendly.
Being too over-friendly might send the wrong signals especially if the agent is of the opposite sex.
Keep things as professional as possible.
It is important to note that not all house-hunting agents are bad, there are people doing a good job.
by peninah njoki
