Across Nigeria, and particularly in high-demand markets like Lagos and Abuja, estate agents are facing pressure from homeowners, from competition, and from themselves. And in the race to impress and secure instructions, some agents are giving in to temptation of inflating property prices to please sellers.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Overvaluation isn’t a strategy. It’s a disservice.
We get it. Losing a listing can sting.
It can feel personal like a rejection of your skill, your brand, or your reputation.
But overpricing just to soothe your ego? That’s not protecting your self-worth;
it’s sabotaging the seller’s future and undermining the very industry we’re all trying to elevate.
Let’s talk impact:
– Properties sit on the market for months, unsold and stigmatized.
– Buyers lose confidence, wondering why no one else has made a move.
– Sellers grow frustrated, eventually slashing the price well below the original market value.
– Agents lose credibility, not just with clients, but with the wider public.
According to industry data, only about 54% of homes listed are actually exchanging hands. Why? Because fantasy pricing is choking real opportunity.
The Job Is to Help People Move and get returns on their investments, Not to Make Them Feel Good
At Babajide Okusaga & Co., we believe the role of a professional real estate advisor is not to tell clients what they want to hear it’s to tell them what they need to hear. With clarity. With courage. And with compassion.
Pricing is not guesswork. It’s a science that draws on data, demand, Comparable market prices and deep market insight.
The more we sugarcoat reality, the more we all lose.
Buyers hesitate. Sellers get stuck. And real estate consultants lose the one thing that takes years to build trust.
So let’s shift the narrative. Let’s be the professionals who bring integrity back to valuations.
Let’s tell the truth even when it’s tough because that’s the only way to get people moving.
Looking to sell your property the right way?
At Babajide Okusaga & Co, we value transparency as much as we value your asset.
Babajide Okusaga & Co are Chartered Surveyors and Real Estate Consultants with expertise in Agency, Investment, Management, and Syndication (AIMS). We are known for being client-focused and results-driven, aiming to connect clients with their specific real estate needs such as Investments, Sales, Letting, Joint Ventures, and Partnerships.
We dedicate time and energy to ensure clients’ satisfaction by helping them find the best-suited real estate solutions. Whether it’s leasing office space, financing a first home, purchasing a new factory, or managing an investment portfolio, Babajide Okusaga & Co caters to the considerations of corporate entities, individuals, and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs).
Contact 02013423872 for Enquiries.
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