Code Violations: 7 Proven Ways to Sell Your Nairobi Upmarket Home Fast (Even with County Notices)
Code violations from Nairobi County can feel like a death sentence when you’re trying to sell a Ksh 120M–Ksh 600M home in Runda, Kitisuru, Lavington, Karen, Westlands, Muthaiga or Gigiri. You receive that dreaded yellow or red notice: unapproved extension, missing occupancy certificate, change-of-user issues, illegal borehole, unpermitted swimming pool, boundary wall too high, or […]
401(k): 7 Smart Ways to Use Your Retirement Fund to Buy a Luxury Home in Nairobi Without Huge Penalties
Every month, Realty Boris receives calls from returning Kenyans in the US, UK, Canada and the Middle East who have $400k–$2M+ sitting in their 401(k), 403(b), or IRA and are eyeing a Ksh 180M–Ksh 650M dream home in Runda, Kitisuru, Muthaiga, Lavington, Karen, Gigiri or Rosslyn. The question is always the same: “Can I use […]
Credit Mistakes: 8 Deadly Ones Nairobi Upmarket Buyers Make When Choosing a Mortgage Lender
Credit mistakes made at the lender-selection stage can quietly cost you tens of millions in extra interest, hidden fees, or even a lost property in Nairobi’s fiercely competitive upmarket market. You’re pre-qualified, you have the deposit ready, and you’re eyeing that Ksh 285M ambassadorial home in Lavington or a Ksh 420M river-front estate in Kitisuru. […]
Credit Mistakes: 7 Deadly Ones That Kill Your Mortgage Even After Pre-Approval in Nairobi
You finally get that golden pre-approval letter from NCBA or Stanbic for Ksh 185M to buy your dream home in Lavington or Lower Kabete. Champagne pops. You start measuring curtains. Then — two weeks before closing — the bank calls: “We’re sorry, your final approval has been revoked.” This happens to more upmarket Nairobi buyers […]
Prioritizing Debt: 6 Critical Loans to Clear First for Faster Mortgage Approval in Nairobi
Prioritizing debt is the single most overlooked step when Nairobi’s upmarket buyers apply for a Ksh 100M–Ksh 500M+ mortgage. You can earn Ksh 8M net per month, have a spotless business track record, and still get rejected — or offered a fraction of what you need — simply because your CRB report shows the wrong […]
Is an Open House Worth the Effort? 7 Risks vs. Rewards in Nairobi’s Upmarket Market
An open house remains a staple in real estate marketing, especially in Nairobi’s competitive upmarket scene. Imagine throwing open the doors of your Kitisuru villa or Runda estate, inviting potential buyers to wander through sunlit rooms and lush gardens. It’s a classic move that promises excitement and leads. But in 2025, with digital tools dominating […]
5 Shocking Reasons NOT to Accept the Highest Offer on Your Nairobi Upmarket Property
The moment a highest offer lands for your Kitisuru mansion, Runda gated estate or Lavington ambassadorial home, excitement takes over. An extra 20–50 million shillings feels life-changing. Yet in Nairobi’s upmarket segment (Westlands, Lavington, Karen, Runda, Muthaiga, Gigiri, Kitisuru and Rosslyn), blindly accepting the highest offer is one of the fastest ways to lose months […]
7 Powerful Steps to Take When Your Home Appraisal Comes in Low (Seller’s Action Plan)
Introduction: When a Low Appraisal Threatens Your Sale You’ve found the right buyer, accepted a strong offer, and started moving forward toward closing—until you get the news every seller dreads. The home appraisal came in low. Suddenly, the buyer’s financing is at risk, negotiations shift, and the deal may feel uncertain. While a low appraisal […]
7 Powerful Reasons Your House Is Not Selling — And How to Fix Each One
Introduction: When a Listing Goes Quiet, There’s Always a Reason Nothing is more frustrating than listing your home, expecting strong buyer interest, and then… nothing. Weeks go by, viewings are scarce, offers don’t show up, and your excitement turns into anxiety. If your house is not selling, the problem is rarely the market alone. Most […]
5 Exclusive Truths About a 3% Down Payment and Whether It’s Worth the Higher Mortgage Insurance
Introduction: The Real Debate Behind Low Down Payments One of the biggest questions first-time homebuyers face is whether choosing a low down payment option—such as 3%—is truly worth the long-term cost. Many buyers prefer the lower upfront expense, especially when saving for a large down payment feels overwhelming. But a smaller down payment usually means […]