Genzee realtor urges due diligence as property buyers seek fast returns

Bukola Akinwale, Lagos-based real estate consultant, has warned property buyers and investors against rushing into real estate transactions without clear goals and proper checks, saying the absence of trust and due diligence remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s property market.

Akinwale, who is widely known as Genzee Realtor, said many losses recorded in the sector are not caused by pricing or limited supply, but by poor decision-making and a lack of understanding among buyers.

“In the real estate market where many Nigerians have lost money, land, and peace of mind to poor decisions and fraudulent deals, the biggest problem is not pricing or supply, but the absence of trust, due diligence, and clarity of purpose among buyers and investors navigating the market,” she said.

She has worked in the Lagos real estate space for almost three years, covering Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ibeju-Lekki, and Ogombo. According to her, her focus is on helping buyers make informed choices in an environment where haste often leads to loss.

“A lot of people enter the real estate market without knowing what they are actually looking for,” she said. “They hear a location is trending or that people are making money and they rush in, without understanding the kind of investment they are making.”

She explained that this lack of clarity often results in disappointment and disputes after purchase. “You can’t be looking for a property that will give you annual returns and then invest in land meant for land banking,” Bukola said. “Knowing your goal in the market is very important before you put your money anywhere.”

Akinwale traced her perspective to her early experience in the industry. She joined the real estate sector as a graduate trainee during her National Youth Service year, initially driven by personal financial needs. “At the time, I just needed money to pay for my gym subscription,” she said. “But a month into the training, I began to see how many people were losing money simply because they didn’t have the right information.”

That experience, she said, shaped her approach. “I saw myself as a solution,” she said. “Someone who could bridge the gap between developers and investors, and help people invest safely in an industry that is known for a lot of scams.”

She also challenged the belief that property investment delivers fast profits. “People think real estate is quick money,” she said. “But real estate is not yahoo yahoo. What it gives you is security and stability. You need patience and the right strategy to make money in this market.”

Despite the risks, Akinwale said the market continues to show growth. “You rarely hear about property depreciating in value in Nigeria,” she said, pointing to ongoing development, expanding infrastructure, and increasing business activity.

She stressed, however, that growth does not remove the need for caution. “I always advise clients to do their due diligence before any purchase,” she said. “The truth is that a lot of people have bought safe homes, and a lot of people have also lost their homes.”

According to her, public opinion is often shaped by negative experiences. “Bad news will always be louder than good news,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean there aren’t good opportunities. It just means buyers have to be careful.”

Akinwale said her work is guided by values. “Integrity, transparency, and reliability guide my work,” she said. “I would rather lose a sale than sell the wrong property to someone.”

She advised young realtors to remain focused and informed. “You have to be intentional,” she said. “Invest in knowledge and know your onions. If you compromise your values, it might give you money today, but it will also give you sleepless nights.”

On client relations, she said trust is built through consistency. “People like being comfortable when they’re buying property,” she said. “So my process is about making clients feel at ease from the first conversation, through inspection, to when they move into their homes.”

“Trust is not built overnight,” she added. “I stay consistent, transparent, and honest, even when it costs me a sale. I educate my clients, manage their expectations, and always prioritise their best interests. Over time, trust becomes inevitable.”