When Francis decided to sell their five-bedroom shell house in Kira, everyone had advice. His aunt whispered, “I know a broker very connected, he rides a boda and knows everyone from Kampala to Mbarara.” His neighbour promised to introduce “the agent who sold her cousin’s plot in a week without even advertising!”
Tempting, right? But Francis paused. He had heard the stories: a friend whose house sat on the market for a year because the agent priced it like a palace in Kololo; another who paid “viewing fees” to a broker who vanished faster than a power cut. Francis wasn’t about to become another cautionary tale.
Here’s the thing: never feel guilty-tripped into hiring an agent without first interviewing them and testing their value proposition. An agent might be perfect for someone else’s property but completely wrong for yours. Don’t lose money on “connections” that add no real value and don’t hold back from rewarding the agent who genuinely increases your chances of selling.
And forget the myth that interviewing an agent is rude. A seasoned Agent will welcome it. The best agents know they’re not the only fish in the lake. They see an interview as their chance to explain their strategy, not to demand your signature with a sense of entitlement.
Francis knew this. He brewed coffee, set up three back-to-back interviews, and began to separate the serious players from the “boda-boda brokers.” (Nothing against boda riders at least they actually deliver you somewhere.)
A good real estate agent isn’t just a signpost planter. They’re a marketer, negotiator and storyteller. They know which social-media ad will capture buyers in Naguru, which legal hoops to jump in Entebbe and how to price your home so it sells without giving it away.
Developers need good agents every bit as much as agents need solid properties. Your house, apartment or plot is a business opportunity for them; their ability to market and close a sale is a lifeline for you. Choose a partner who can deliver real value beyond price and “years of experience.”
Because in the end, you’re not just hiring skills, you’re choosing people. And “good people” is relative. Choose what feels right for you: the agent whose professionalism, character and energy match your own goals.
Armed with insights from Uganda’s property market and a healthy dose of humour, Francis asked every candidate these ten questions and you should too:
1. What’s your unique value proposition?
A real agent should explain how they’ll market your property not just say, “I have a phone and know people.” That’s a WhatsApp group, not a strategy.
2. How many properties like mine have you sold in this area?
Local experience matters. Beware the agent who claims “nearby” success and then points to a deal in Karamoja when you’re selling in Entebbe.
3. What’s your average time to sell?
Speed matters, but so does realism. If they promise “one week, guaranteed,” they probably also promise that the Ministry will relocate Lake Victoria closer to your fence.
4. Describe your marketing strategy and who covers the costs.
From professional photos to targeted ads, marketing isn’t just a Facebook status. If “I’ll post it on my status” is their plan, your property is being treated like a meme.
5. What’s your commission rate and any extra fees?
Transparency saves you from surprise deductions. Watch for “viewing fees,” as if buyers are visiting the Mona Lisa.
6. Are you registered with the Association of Real Estate Agents Uganda (AREA) and is your company legally registered?
This is basic professionalism. If their business card is scribbled on a notebook page, you already have your answer.
7. Can you share references from past clients?
Past success predicts future performance. If all references are “my uncle” or “my best friend,” that’s not a portfolio, it’s a family WhatsApp group again.
8. How do you determine the asking price?
Pricing needs market data. If they say, “Double the price so we negotiate down,” expect buyers to run like it’s a lunchtime traffic jam.
9. How many active clients are you working with right now?
Too few might mean no network; too many, no time for you. If they need a spreadsheet to count, your property might become a forgotten column.
10. What sets you apart from the other agents I’m interviewing?
A pro won’t shy away from competition; they’ll relish the chance to show you why they’re the right fit without claiming to be “the Donald Trump of Ugandan real estate.”
Francis’s final choice wasn’t the loudest talker or the cheapest. It was the agent who listened, explained and showed a clear plan without a trace of entitlement. About a month later, the house has received many views and offers and Francis is crossing his fingers for an eventual sale.
Your property is a serious business opportunity, treat it that way. Interview at least three agents, pick the one who brings value and fits your style, and remember: in Uganda’s property market, the right agent isn’t just helpful they’re the deal maker.
How are you choosing the agent to market your property? Share in the comments below.
Wow I like the build up of the story but learnt something from this
It’s very important to first engage the broker other wise they can be the reasons for the delay in transaction.
Francis is very wise
Thanks Kasio! Glad the story resonated and that Francis’ approach stood out, engaging the broker first really can save a lot of time and headaches in the transaction.