The quality of the real estate agent engaged for a purchase or sale has a direct and measurable impact on transaction security, net financial outcome and post-completion experience. An unstructured conversation based on personal rapport alone is insufficient. A disciplined interview process, grounded in verifiable criteria, enables clients to evaluate competence, integrity and alignment with their specific objectives.

This article sets out a practical interview framework organised by priority areas. Each section includes recommended questions and the professional standards against which answers may be assessed, with reference to the operating model of LA’REALEZA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED.

1. Experience and Local Transaction History

Begin with evidence of relevant, recent activity rather than general claims of experience.

• How many transactions have you completed in the past 12–24 months in the specific locality and property category I am considering?
• Can you provide documented examples of comparable sales or purchases, including timelines and any material challenges resolved?
• What percentage of those transactions involved verified Certificates of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent or Deeds of Assignment?
• Have you managed off-plan or under-construction projects, and what was the typical variance from original delivery schedules?

LA’REALEZA’s Project Leads supervise Account Executives across departments, and performance is measured by collective team output. Clients may request current status reports on active developments such as Pinnacle Smart City, Grand Manor Estate, Airport Horizon Estate and LA’REALEZA Residence 0.1.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation Standards

Confirm legal standing and the rigour of title-related processes.

• Are you or your firm currently registered with the relevant regulatory bodies, and can you provide proof?
• What systematic due-diligence steps do you undertake before presenting or listing a property?
• How do you handle Power of Attorney arrangements, survey coordination and registration formalities?
• What written reporting do clients receive on title status throughout the transaction?

LA’REALEZA maintains CAC registration and SCUML compliance. Every land offering is subjected to verified documentation pathways before marketing, and clients receive structured status updates.

3. Commission Structure and Fee Transparency

Request a clear, written breakdown before any engagement letter is signed.

• What is your exact commission rate for land sales, house sales and any property-management referrals?
• Are there additional charges for marketing, documentation support or registration coordination?
• How are fees shared if affiliates or multiple agents participate?
• Is any portion of the fee contingent on performance targets or successful completion only?

LA’REALEZA publishes a Consolidated Commission & Incentive Structure: 10 percent direct commission on staff land sales, defined affiliate arrangements, 5 percent on house sales (with an additional 5 percent applicable upon onboarding and subsequent sale where relevant), and tiered Property Management referral fees (₦30,000–₦50,000 one-off plus 20 percent residual, paid quarterly).

4. Communication Protocols and Accountability

Reliable communication reduces execution risk and protects client interests.

• What is your standard response time for written and verbal enquiries?
• Who will be my primary point of contact, and who supervises that individual?
• How frequently will I receive written progress updates, and in what format?
• Do you maintain a client portal or structured digital reporting system?

LA’REALEZA assigns Account Executives under Project Lead supervision and provides clients with structured reporting through the EasyPay investment platform and dedicated consultation channels.

5. Marketing Reach and Buyer or Seller Networks

Assess the practical capacity to attract qualified counterparties.

• Through which primary channels do you market properties or source inventory?
• Do you maintain an active affiliate or institutional referral network?
• How do you screen enquiries to protect client privacy and prioritise serious parties?
• What professional presentation materials (site plans, photography, virtual tours) do you routinely prepare?

LA’REALEZA combines direct staff capacity with a structured affiliate programme and maintains digital inventory visibility through its official platforms. The Travels & Tours division can assist with inspection logistics for diaspora clients.

6. Post-Transaction Support Capacity

A purchase or sale is rarely complete at the moment of title transfer.

• Can your firm coordinate construction supervision or site management after acquisition?
• Do you offer property management services, including tenant screening and rent collection?
• What after-sales support is available for documentation finalisation or further advisory needs?
• How do you handle travel and logistics requirements related to site inspections or handovers?

LA’REALEZA’s integrated Construction, Property Management, Travels & Tours and Investment divisions enable continuity of professional support under one corporate structure.

7. Comparative Evaluation and Decision

Interview a minimum of three candidates and score each against identical criteria:

1. Verifiable local transaction history
2. Documented compliance and title processes
3. Clarity and reasonableness of fee schedule
4. Quality of communication protocol
5. Marketing or sourcing reach
6. Availability of post-transaction services

Weight the scores according to the priorities of the specific transaction. Prefer firms that can produce written evidence rather than verbal assurances alone.

Practical Pre-Engagement Checklist

Before signing any engagement letter, confirm the following in writing:

• Agreed scope of services and exclusions
• Exact commission rate and any ancillary fees
• Named primary contact and escalation path
• Reporting frequency and format
• Duration of the engagement and termination provisions

Frequently Asked Questions