Using Multiple House Agents In Nigeria: Pros and Cons

Navigating Nigeria’s real estate market can be challenging, whether you’re a landlord looking for tenants or a tenant searching for verified houses for rent in Lagos, Abuja or other cities. Most people resort to using house agents (also called realtors), believing they would provide quicker results. While this approach has its advantages, it also has downsides. To help you decide if working with multiple agents is right for you, let’s explore the pros and cons.

PROS

1. Wider Reach

With several agents on your side, you gain access to a broader pool of house listings or tenants in Nigeria. Most agents have unique networks, meaning they can bring options you might not have found otherwise.

2. Faster Results

With multiple agents working simultaneously, the likelihood of finding your desired property or tenant sooner increases. This is especially helpful when searching for houses for rent in Lagos or other busy cities under tight deadlines.

3. Diverse Options

Different agents may specialize in specific neighborhoods, luxury apartments, affordable housing, or unique client profiles. This variety ensures access to a wide selection tailored to your needs.

4. Competition

If they know they are not the only ones working for you, agents might feel more motivated to close deals quickly. This competitive environment often leads to better service and faster results.

CONS

1. Increased Expenses

Going to view multiple houses in a day can quickly become costly. You’ll spend money on transportation, especially in cities like Lagos where commuting is often expensive.

2. Energy Burnout

Viewing several properties in a single day is exhausting. You’ll likely burn out after hours of inspecting homes, traveling in traffic, and discussing details with agents.

3. Risk of Dissatisfaction

Despite investing time, energy, and money, finding a property that meets your expectations can be tough. In high-demand areas like Lekki or Ikeja, agents may prioritize other clients, leaving your needs unmet.

4. Confusion and Overlap

Multiple agents often share similar listings, leading to redundant viewings of the same properties. This overlap can feel like wasted time and effort.

5. Risk of Scams

Using many agents increases the risk of encountering fraudulent practices, such as fake listings, hidden charges, or misrepresented properties. We put a guide on how to stay safe when house hunting.

Tips to Manage Agents Effectively

If you choose to work with multiple agents, follow these steps to stay organized:

• Vet Agents Thoroughly: This sounds like a lot of work but, research agents’ backgrounds and verify their legitimacy. Look for reviews or recommendations from trusted sources.
• Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your requirements, such as budget, location preferences, and timelines.
• Keep Track of Listings: Maintain a log of properties or tenants to avoid confusion and minimize duplicate efforts.

A Smarter Alternative: Using PropTech Platforms

While working with multiple house agents might seem like the traditional way to navigate the Nigerian real estate market, there’s a better, safer and more efficient option: PropTech platforms. These platforms leverage technology to simplify the entire process of renting or finding tenants, offering you several advantages over using agents.

1. Wide Range of Listings PropTech platforms like Resavation feature an extensive database of verified property listings, from luxury apartments in Lekki to budget-friendly housing in Lagos Mainland. With everything in one place, you save time and avoid the confusion of dealing with multiple agents.

2. Budget-Friendly Options These platforms are designed to match listings to your budget, whether you’re looking for affordable housing in Surulere or serviced apartments in Ikeja. You can easily filter properties based on your price range, ensuring that you only view homes you can afford.

3. Convenience and Comfort Forget the hassle of traveling to inspect multiple houses in a single day. With platforms like Resavation, you can explore properties from the comfort of your home, thanks to their live inspection feature. This allows you to view houses virtually, saving you time, energy, and transportation costs.

4. Transparency and Security Unlike traditional agents, PropTech platforms prioritize transparency by verifying every listing. You can rest assured that what you see on the platform is what you get, reducing the risk of scams or misrepresentation.

Conclusion

Using multiple agents expands your options but adds costs, risks, and stress. Proptech platforms like Resavation simplifies the process for you with verified listings, reliable matches, and tailored options, all from the comfort of your home.