The Stigma of Local Brokers: Bridging the Gap Between Local Brokers and Professionals

I don’t agree with the negative sentiment around local brokers, though I do acknowledge the need to standardize their operations, help them legitimize their businesses, and align them with the industry’s development goals. The real estate sector has immense potential, but it cannot thrive if we alienate a group that plays such a significant role.? It’s unfair to label local brokers as the primary cause of the industry’s problems simply because they may lack formal qualifications. Instead of excluding them, we should focus on integrating them into a professional framework where their utility is recognized and optimized.

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Let me offer an example: If I’ve grown up in Kololo, I am likely to have a deep understanding of the area—its roads, properties, ownership histories, wind patterns, historical zoning issues, court cases, family disputes, and potential transaction pitfalls. Cutting me out of the equation means risking the possibility of your transaction encountering one or more of these problems.

People often rely on local brokers because of their invaluable grassroots knowledge. While technology has expanded our reach to brokers and agents outside our immediate localities, it doesn’t replace the need for local expertise. I could never claim to know the ins and outs of plots in Mutungo, for instance, and would inevitably require the input of a local broker. Local brokers are essential. However, it’s true that some bad actors have infiltrated the profession, giving it a bad reputation. The solution isn’t to blame the entire profession but to weed out the wrong characters. We all have a role to play—even as bystanders—to uplift the sector rather than tear it down.

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It’s heartening to see the government stepping up through regulatory efforts like the Landlord-Tenant Act and the ongoing consultations for the Real Estate Bill. These initiatives, combined with conferences and discussions across the industry, aim to bring clarity and structure to a sector that has long needed it. Similarly, professional bodies, certification programs, and companies investing in real estate education and broker training are paving the way for a more organized future. Writers like myself also strive to contribute by spreading awareness and encouraging dialogue.

This is where our focus should be—on fostering unity and professionalism rather than dividing the battlefield further with unnecessary labels and stereotypes. The negative narrative around brokers does nothing but hinder progress.

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As real estate practitioners, it is our responsibility to help others grow, to share the pie, and to look out for the sector as a whole. The stigma and bad reputation we face can be turned around, but it will take time and collective effort. Continuing as we are—disorganized and at odds with one another—is simply unsustainable. Our lack of coordination has become so obvious that buyers and sellers now perceive us as disorganized, untrustworthy, and, in some cases, outright crooks. This is a shame, given the vital role we play in the economy and in people’s lives.

Think about it:

·?????? We help people find homes.

·?????? We enable investors to grow their wealth.

·?????? We contribute to the development and growth of communities.

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We are the ambassadors of the economic machine that powers the world’s largest economies and corporations. We are the oil that fuels balance sheets and generational wealth. We possess knowledge about one of the most sought-after resources—property—and act as gateways to prosperity and community-building. Despite wearing all these hats, we often go unthanked, unpaid, and underestimated. Yet, our contributions are invaluable.

We must recognize our worth and work together to elevate the profession. We need to show the bankers, doctors, and accountants that they’ve underestimated us for too long. By addressing disorganization, improving public perception, and standing proud in our roles, we can rebuild trust and demonstrate our true value.

It’s time to focus on collaboration, education, and regulation—not on division. The real estate sector depends on us stepping up and showing the world that we are not just intermediaries but the backbone of these great nations.

I’m Raymond, and I’ll see you in the next article. Let’s continue this conversation—share your thoughts below!