I recently had a sit-down with a Nigerian realtor where she explained how people approach house hunting, and one thing stood out to me:
Finding a house is not just about finding a beautiful house.
Here are some lessons I took from it:
1. Don't fall in love with pictures.
A house can look amazing online and feel completely different when you visit it.
2. Always ask about the total cost.
Don't focus only on the rent. Ask about agency fees, legal fees, caution fees, service charges and other possible payments.
3. Location can matter more than the building.
A beautiful apartment in a difficult location can become stressful very quickly.
4. Ask about the environment, not just the house.
Check the road, drainage, security, water supply, electricity and accessibility.
5. Don't rush because someone says, "Another person is ready to pay."
Pressure can make you overlook things you would normally notice.
6. Verify who you're dealing with.
Before transferring money, make sure the person actually has the authority to rent or sell the property.
7. Your budget should include the cost of living there.
Rent may be affordable, but transportation, electricity, water and other expenses can completely change the picture.
The biggest lesson?
Don't just ask, "Can I afford this house?"
Ask:
"Can I comfortably afford the life that comes with this house?"
That question can save you from a lot of regrets.
What's one thing you wish someone had told you before you rented your first apartment? 👇
