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10 Ways to Get a Good Deal on Your Home in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

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10 Ways to Get a Good Deal on Your Home in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

 

 

 

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. In Nigeria, where the real estate market can be tricky, it’s important to be smart and careful when looking for a good deal. This article you are about to read will give you 10 useful tips to help you make sure you’re getting the best value for your money when buying a home in Nigeria.

1. Do Your Homework on the Area

Before you even start looking at houses, it’s crucial to learn about the area where you want to live. Different parts of Nigeria have different prices and benefits. Some areas might be cheaper but far from good schools or markets. Others might be more expensive but safer or closer to your work.

Take time to visit different neighborhoods. Walk around, talk to people who live there, and get a feel for the place.
Ask yourself:
– Is it safe?
– Are there good roads?
– How’s the electricity supply?
– Is it close to important places like hospitals, schools, or your workplace?
– What’s the community like?

2. Set a Realistic Budget

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re looking at beautiful homes, but it’s important to stick to what you can afford. Before you start house hunting, sit down and figure out your budget.

Think about:
– How much money you have saved
– How much you can borrow from a bank
– Your monthly income and expenses

Remember, buying a home isn’t just about the price tag. You’ll need to think about other costs too, like:

– Lawyer fees
– Taxes
– Repairs or renovations
– Moving costs

Make sure you have some extra money set aside for these things. It’s always better to buy a slightly cheaper house and have money left over than to spend everything on the house and struggle later.

3. Use a Trusted Real Estate Agent

A good real estate agent can be your best friend when you’re looking for a home. They know the market, they have connections, and they can help you find deals that you might miss on your own.

But be careful – not all agents are trustworthy. Here’s how to find a good one:
– Ask friends or family for recommendations
– Look for agents with good reviews online
– Check if they’re registered with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)
– Meet with a few different agents and see who you feel comfortable with

4. Don’t Rush – Take Your Time
Buying a home is a big decision, so don’t feel pressured to make it quickly. Some sellers or agents might try to rush you, saying things like “This deal won’t last long!” or “Someone else is interested in buying this house!”

Don’t fall for these tricks. It’s better to take your time and make sure you’re making the right choice. Visit the house more than once, at different times of the day. This will help you notice things you might miss on a quick visit, like noisy neighbors or bad traffic at certain hours.

If you feel rushed or pressured, that’s often a sign that something isn’t right. A good deal today will still be a good deal tomorrow.

5. Get a Professional Inspection
Never buy a house without having it checked by a professional inspector. This might cost a bit of money, but it can save you from much bigger costs in the future.

An inspector will look at things like:
– The foundation of the house
– The roof
– Electrical systems
– Plumbing
– Signs of pests or termites

They might find problems that you can’t see with your own eyes. If they do find issues, you can use this information to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to fix the problems before you buy.

6. Check All the Legal Documents

In Nigeria, it’s very important to make sure all the legal papers for the house are in order. This can be confusing, but it’s crucial to avoid problems later. Here are some key documents to check:

– Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): This shows that the government has given permission for the land to be used for housing.
– Survey Plan: This shows the exact boundaries of the property.
– Deed of Assignment: This shows that the current owner has the right to sell the property.
– Tax clearance: This shows that all taxes on the property have been paid.

It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer who specializes in real estate to help you check these documents. They can spot any problems and make sure everything is legal and correct.

7. Negotiate the Price
Don’t be afraid to negotiate! The first price the seller asks for is often not their final price.
Here are some tips for negotiating:
– Start lower than you’re willing to pay. This gives you room to go up.
– Point out any problems with the house that might lower its value.
– Be ready to walk away if the price is too high. Sometimes, showing that you’re willing to look at other houses can make the seller more flexible.
– If the seller won’t lower the price, see if they’ll include other things, like furniture or appliances.

Remember, negotiating isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about finding a price that’s fair for both you and the seller.

8. Consider the Future
When you’re buying a home, don’t just think about your needs right now. Think about the future too.
Ask yourself:
– Will this house still be good for me in 5 or 10 years?
– If I have children, will there be enough space?
– Is the area likely to improve or get worse over time?
– Could I easily sell this house if I need to move?

Buying a home that will still be good for you in the future can save you money and stress in the long run.

9. Compare Prices of Similar Homes

To know if you’re getting a good deal, you need to know what other similar houses cost. This is called “comparing comparables” or “comps” for short.

Look at houses that are:
– In the same area
– About the same size
– In similar condition

You can find this information online, through your real estate agent, or by visiting open houses in the area. If the house you want is much more expensive than similar houses, that’s a sign that it might be overpriced.

10. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut feeling. If something feels wrong about a deal, even if you can’t explain why, it’s okay to step back and think more.

Maybe the seller seems too eager to sell quickly. Maybe the price seems too good to be true. Or maybe you just don’t feel comfortable in the house.

These feelings are important. Buying a home is not just a financial decision – it’s also an emotional one. You should feel good about your choice.

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041

Business

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.

In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.

President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.

These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.

The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.

President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.

President Tinubu wishes Dr. Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavors.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

November 1, 2024

 

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ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024  

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Zenith Bank Enhances E-Channel Services for Customers

ZENITH BANK DELIVERS REMARKABLE TRIPPLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GROSS EARNINGS AS PBT HITS N1.0 TRILLION IN Q3 2024

 

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024, recording a remarkable triple-digit growth of 118% from N1.33 trillion reported in Q3 2023 to N2.9 trillion in Q3 2024. This performance underscores the Group’s resilience and market leadership in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment.

 

According to the Bank’s unaudited third quarter financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the triple-digit growth in the topline also led to an increase in the bottom line, as the Group recorded a 99% Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, growing from N505 billion in Q3 2023 to N1.0 trillion in Q3 2024.  Profit after tax equally grew by 91% from N434.2 billion to N827 billion in the same period.

 

The growth in the topline was driven by the expansion of both interest income and non-interest income. Interest income saw a notable 190% rise to N1.95 trillion, attributed to the high-yield environment. Non-interest income rose by 41% to N856 billion, bolstered by substantial growth in fees and commissions, which highlights the strength of Zenith Bank’s retail growth and the robust performance of its digital channels during the reporting period. The robust increase in profitability reflects the Bank’s focus on operational efficiency and strong risk management practices. Earnings per share (EPS) nearly doubled, rising to N26.34 from N13.82 in Q3 2023, underscoring Zenith Bank’s strong value creation for shareholders.

 

The Bank’s balance sheet grew significantly, with total assets growing by 49% to N30.4 trillion, largely supported by customer deposits, which rose by 42% to N21.6 trillion. This growth in deposits was broad-based across corporate and retail segments, highlighting the Bank’s deepening reach and customer loyalty. Gross loans increased by 46% to N10.3 trillion, underscoring the commitment to supporting strategic sectors in the economy.

 

Capital adequacy ratio remained strong, improving to 21.9%, well above regulatory requirements. The return on average equity (ROAE) stood at 37.8%, up from 35.1%, while return on average assets (ROAA) also improved to 4.3% as Zenith Bank maximized its asset base. Cost of funds increased to 4.3%, reflecting the broader market trend of rising interest rates, while the cost of risk was maintained at 7.3%, underscoring the Bank’s proactive approach in provisioning for credit risk. The Bank’s cost-to-income ratio rose to 39.5%, reflecting the impact of strategic investments in technology and capacity building aimed at supporting long-term growth, even as it continues to strive for greater operational efficiency.

 

Zenith Bank’s asset quality remains a cornerstone of its strength, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 4.5%, within regulatory limits. A high coverage ratio of 198.4% underscores the Bank’s disciplined approach to risk management, positioning it for resilience in the face of market volatility while supporting stable loan growth.

 

Zenith Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and value creation. The Bank launched a capital raise program on August 1, 2024, consisting of a combined Rights Issue and Public Offer. This capital raise was driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s recapitalization directive for commercial banks issued in March 2024. While the Bank awaits final capital verification approvals from authorities, the fundraising exercise was successful, reflecting strong confidence in Zenith Bank’s brand.

 

The additional capital will enhance the Bank’s ability to expand its product offerings, deepen its penetration in strategic sectors, boost lending to the real sector and pursue its African and global expansion plan.  In furtherance of this, the Bank in September 2024 received regulatory approval for the establishment of a Zenith Bank branch in Paris, France, which is fully operational and will enhance the Bank’s product offerings in international markets.

 

With a strengthened capital base, Zenith Bank is well-positioned to navigate the evolving economic landscape, while putting best-practice sustainability standards at the heart of its business. The Bank will also continue to prioritize opportunities that enhance stakeholder value and a strong compliance and corporate governance culture, which will reinforce the its leadership position within Nigeria’s financial sector and drive long-term growth.

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IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

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Fueling Uncertainty: Investigating Nigeria's Subsidy Removal And Dangote Refinery Debacle* By Sylvester Audu

IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

 

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery wishes to clarify that it has not received any payments from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to purchase refined petroleum products.

IPMAN: Setting the Record Straight

Although discussions are ongoing with IPMAN, it is misleading to suggest that they (IPMAN Members) are experiencing difficulties loading refined products from our Petroleum Refinery, as we currently have no direct business dealings with them. Consequently, we cannot be held responsible for any payments made to other entities.

The payment in mention has been made through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and not us. In the same vein, NNPCL has neither approved, nor authorised us to release our Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to IPMAN.

We would like to emphasise that we can meet the nation’s demand for all petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. At present, we can load 2,900 trucks per day and we have also been evacuating petroleum products by sea. We advise IPMAN to register with us and make direct payment as we have more than enough petroleum products to satisfy the needs of their members.

Furthermore, we believe it is instructive for all stakeholders to refrain from making unfounded statements in the media, as that could undermine the economic re-engineering efforts of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Conducting business through public speculation is counterproductive and unpatriotic.

In the interest of our country, we encourage all stakeholders to collaborate and heed the advice of President Tinubu, while promoting a unified approach, rather than engaging in media conflicts and needless propaganda.

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