How to Verify a Real Estate Consultant Before Trusting Them With Your Money

Every day, thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora dream of owning property back home. But too often, that dream turns into a nightmare — lost funds, fake documents, and untraceable “agents.”

The truth? Many of these heartbreaks could have been avoided if buyers knew how to verify who they were dealing with before transferring even one naira.

This guide shows you how to confirm if a real estate consultant is truly verified and trustworthy, so your next investment is safe, legal, and profitable.

Two people work on laptops and tablets with digital icons near a window at sunset. Certificates are on the table, creating a focused mood.

1. Start With Registration and Licensing

A verified consultant isn’t just anyone who can post property on WhatsApp.They must be registered with recognized professional bodies like:

• REDAN (Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria)

• NIESV (Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers)

• ARN (Association of Realtors of Nigeria)

• LASRERA (Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority) — for those operating in Lagos

Ask for their registration number and confirm it directly with the association.If they hesitate or make excuses — that’s a red flag.

2. Check for a Registered Business Name

Every genuine real estate consultant operates under a registered business entity with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

You can verify their CAC details at https://search.cac.gov.ng. A verified business will show:

• The company name

• Registration number (e.g., RC1234567)

• Date of registration

If their business name isn’t listed — walk away immediately.

3. Research Their Online Presence

In 2025, a consultant without an online footprint is a risk.

Do a simple background check:

• Visit their website — look for physical office addresses, registered developers they partner with, and legal disclaimers.

• Check their LinkedIn and Google Business profile — do they have verifiable posts, reviews, and client testimonials?

• Search their company name + “scam” on Google — you’d be surprised how often warning posts appear.

Consistency builds credibility. A verified consultant leaves a transparent digital trail.

4. Confirm Their Office and Team

If they claim to have an office in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt — verify it.Request a video call tour of their office or schedule a site inspection (even virtually).

A verified consultant:

• Has an identifiable office space (not a shared or temporary shop).

• Employs licensed surveyors, legal partners, or admin staff.

• Can introduce you to developers they represent officially.

No office? No legitimacy.

5. Ask for Proof of Developer Authorization

If a consultant claims to represent a developer or estate, ask for official authorization letters or partnership agreements.

A legitimate one will happily provide:

• A stamped authorization letter from the developer.

• Contact info of the developer’s rep for verification.

Scammers often pose as “authorized agents” without any real link — this simple step exposes them quickly.

6. Verify Their Transaction Process

A verified consultant never asks for cash payments or personal transfers.They use traceable, documented processes such as:

• Company bank accounts (not personal names).

• Receipts with RC numbers and official stamps.

• Payment acknowledgment letters signed by both parties.

• Escrow services for diaspora investors — protecting funds until title verification is complete.

If they insist on urgency or direct personal transfers, treat it as a red flag.

Remember: urgency is a scammer’s best weapon.

7. Ask Questions — and Watch Their Answers

A true consultant educates; a fake one avoids detail.Ask:

• “What title document covers this land?”

• “Can you explain the difference between excision and C of O?”

• “Who owns the land legally — the developer or a private estate?”

If they struggle to explain in simple, confident terms, they may not even understand what they’re selling.

8. Look for Evidence of Past Deals

Ask for proof of past successful transactions:

• Before-and-after site photos.

• Signed allocation documents (with client names blurred).

• Testimonials from diaspora clients (video or written).

A verified consultant has a track record, not just marketing hype.

9. Confirm Their Legal and Survey Partners

The best consultants work hand-in-hand with:

• Real estate lawyers for title verification.

• Licensed surveyors for land demarcation and documentation.

Ask for their partners’ names and credentials — and cross-check them.Transparency is the foundation of trust.

10. Choose Consultants Who Offer Clarity, Not Confusion

Finally, listen to your instincts.A verified consultant will:

• Provide documentation willingly.

• Offer clarity on every payment stage.

• Be patient and professional, not pushy or defensive.

Real professionals are calm because they have nothing to hide.

Final Thought

Real estate is not just about buying land — it’s about buying peace of mind.The right consultant becomes your shield, guide, and partner — especially when you’re investing from thousands of miles away.

At Zikan Prop Solutions, we believe verification is not a luxury — it’s your right.Every client receives full documentation, legal support, and transparent communication from start to finish.Your trust deserves nothing less.

Ready to verify before you invest? Let Zikan Prop Solutions help you confirm the authenticity of any land, developer, or consultant before you make your next move.Because when it comes to property, trust must be verified — not assumed.