What You Should Know When Hunting for a House in Kisumu City
Hunting for a house in Kisumu can be a difficult task, especially if it is your first time in the city. Several vacant houses are usually posted on social media, especially Facebook. However, when you call the number to confirm availability, you may discover that some of the people posting the houses are actually conmen who demand money from you before showing you the property.
“Nyumba iko, but ukitaka nikupeleke kwa apartment utanitumia KSh 1,000 kwanza.”
This is one of the statements commonly used by some people who claim to have vacant houses.
I was once a victim when I moved from Nairobi to Kisumu to start a new life. I had searched online and found a nice bedsitter whose video had been posted on social media.
I called the number, thinking the person was a genuine agent. From the way he spoke, he also sounded convincing.
When I arrived in Kisumu, I met the man at Kondele Roundabout. Instead of taking me to the exact house I had seen online, he referred me to another man.
From his appearance, I immediately became suspicious because he did not look like a professional house agent. He was wearing dirty clothes and slippers.
Another Challenge When Looking for a House in Kisumu
Another challenge is that notices displaying vacant houses and caretaker contacts are not commonly placed outside apartment buildings in some parts of Kisumu.
In some cities, you can walk around an estate and find notices on apartment gates showing the caretaker’s phone number and indicating whether there are vacant units. In Kisumu, this can be more difficult, meaning that someone walking around looking for a house may have a hard time finding one.
Because of this, some people have taken advantage of desperate house hunters by demanding money before showing them vacant houses.
Best People to Approach When Hunting for a House in Kisumu
One of the best options is to consult a friend or relative who has lived in Kisumu for a long time.
They may have an idea of which estates are good, the rental prices you can expect, and which locations are convenient depending on your workplace, school or budget.
You can also approach local real estate agents who help people find vacant houses.
In Kisumu, some house-hunting agents are locally known as Bolimo. They may charge around KSh 1,000 to take you around different properties on a motorbike and show you available units.
However, the terms and charges can vary from one agent to another, so it is important to confirm the fee and what services you will receive before paying.
Things to Avoid When Looking for a Vacant House in Kisumu
1. Sending Money to Strangers Online
Be careful when dealing with strangers who post vacant houses on social media. Avoid sending money simply because someone has posted an attractive house online.
2. Paying Before Seeing the House
Do not pay rent or a deposit before physically viewing the house and confirming that the person you are dealing with is authorised to rent out the property.
3. Relying on Outdated Property Listings
Some property websites may have listings that are no longer available. Always confirm that a house is still vacant before making arrangements to view it.
4. Moving Without Researching the Area
Before settling in a new neighbourhood, take time to research important issues such as security, drainage, water availability, transport and access to shops and other essential services.
If possible, visit the area at different times of the day before making your final decision.
Final Thoughts
Finding a house in Kisumu does not have to be stressful if you know what to look for. Take your time, avoid sending money to strangers and always view a property physically before making any payment.
If you are new to Kisumu, getting help from someone who knows the city or using a trustworthy local agent can make the house-hunting process much easier.
