Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Realtor Matters

Buying a home in Nairobi—especially in an area you’re not familiar with—requires guidance from someone who understands the market, the paperwork, and the real risks. A good realtor protects your money, your time, and your peace of mind.

But not all agents operate the same way.

Here’s how to identify a professional realtor you can actually trust.

1. Start With Research: Vetting Agents Properly

Before speaking to any realtor, gather facts.

Check Licensing & Registration

In Kenya, a professional real estate agent should be registered with:

• The Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB)
• A recognized real estate association or firm

Ask for their registration number.
If they hesitate, that’s a red flag.

Look at Track Record & Experience

A great realtor should have:

• Successful transactions in your preferred area
• Strong understanding of local pricing
• Familiarity with reputable developers
• Real testimonials from past clients

Experience in your neighborhood of interest is more important than general experience.

Review Their Online Presence

Check:

• Google reviews
• Social media activity
• Website listings
• Engagement and responsiveness

Agents with nothing online or consistently poor reviews should be avoided.

2. Ask the Right Questions Before You Commit

A good realtor is transparent, patient, and knowledgeable. Ask:

1. “How long have you worked in this neighborhood?”

Local expertise = better negotiation + better due diligence.

2. “Do you work with multiple developers, or only one?”

If they only push one developer, you may not be getting unbiased advice.

3. “What fees should I expect in this process?”

They should freely disclose:

• Agency fees
• Legal fees
• Stamp duty
• Hidden project costs

Lack of transparency = danger.

4. “Can you walk me through the due diligence process?”

A trustworthy realtor explains title verification, approvals, and contracts—not just selling the house.

3. Red Flags When Choosing a Realtor

Avoid agents who show any of these behaviors:

1. High-pressure tactics

Phrases like:

• “This deal expires in two hours.”
• “If you don’t decide today, you’ll lose it.”

Pressure tactics often hide issues.

2. Hesitation to provide documents

You should never be told:

• “We’ll show you the title later.”
• “Trust me, everything is clean.”

Documents come first.

3. No written agreements

Professional realtors operate with:

• Contracts
• Receipts
• Signed offers

If everything is verbal, walk away.

4. Unrealistic promises

If it sounds too good to be true—
it is.

4. How to Read Reviews and Verify Testimonials

Reviews are useful, but only if you know what to look for.

Look for:

• Clients who mention actual outcomes
• Specific projects or locations
• Repeat clients (a sign of trust)
• Consistency across platforms

Be cautious of:

• Too many generic, vague reviews
• No negative feedback at all
• Fake-looking profiles

Authentic reviews feel real, balanced, and specific.

5. The Role of Developer Partnerships: Helpful or Harmful?

Many realtors partner with developers. That’s normal.
The issue is bias.

Good Partnerships:

• Transparent
• Provide inside knowledge
• Give you access to better deals

Bad Partnerships:

• Push only certain projects
• Hide project risks
• Prioritize commissions over clients

Ask:
“Are you willing to show me alternatives?”

A trustworthy realtor always will.

6. Extra Tips If You’re Buying in a New Area

When buying in a location you don’t know well, the right realtor becomes even more important.

They should:

• Explain neighborhood trends
• Highlight safety concerns
• Share amenities and school access
• Provide rental pricing and demand insights
• Visit the area with you at different times of day

If they seem unfamiliar with the area or unprepared, they’re not the right fit.

7. How Fortitude Living Homes Ensures Trust & Transparency

Fortitude Living Homes positions itself as an advisor first, not a salesperson.

We provide:

Verified Listings

Only vetted properties with clean documents.

Full Due Diligence Support

Title checks, developer background, approvals.

Local Area Knowledge

Data-driven insights for every neighborhood we recommend.

Clear, Honest Communication

Transparent costs, clear reports, and no pressure.

Long-Term Partnership

From property search to post-purchase support.