There has been a big population swell in and around the major towns. With this, the real estate business has grown rapidly, which is a good thing for the economy obviously.

However, marketing and advertising of this houses has been a big problem for the owners, especially in the lower market segment.
The down side--> crooks taking advantage to rip where they didn't "sow" . It is frustrating to have some person(s) charge potential tenants some fee in order to have a look at your house. This greatly reduces the potential reach out needed.

There is need for a platform that will enable people to search for houses at no cost and have landlords reach out to the maximum potential tenant audience.

Wills, its a frustation that i have seen experienced by both property owners and house hunters. This happens when you engage unprofessional agents who are out to make a quick buck. Unfortunately it may be difficult to root them out since this agents put up "House to Let" boards and signs in these estates. Unsuspecting house hunters call them only to be asked for a viewing fee. At Propertyzote.com we have a platform for free advertisement. If you check the article on Standard Newspaper(Home & Away. Ferdinand Kaptich speaks of how we deal with this kind of agents.. https://www.sugarsync.co...f/D8100733_971_13716122

Most quacks as we call them do not have fixed places of work or offices and would normally be considered as briefcase agents, booth agents or mobile agents. They would advertise in the newspapers using a telephone booth or mobile number and request to meet the prospective clients in hotels or petrol stations to arrange for viewing of the properties.
On meeting they would take the client to empty/vacant premises, where they would have invariably made arrangements beforehand for viewing the property, by bribing either the workers painting the house, or the watchmen guarding the house.

On finding that the client is interested in the property, they would negotiate on the rent for the property to such an extent that the client would not refuse due to the rate being very low or very high to gain a mark-up.

A different quack would operate more honorably by at least having a registered office. However, his services would involve charging clients for viewing fees, and also charging both the landlord and tenant some letting fees, which are obviously exorbitant and unlawful. He would not vet the tenants, as his main purpose would be to make a kill at the earliest moment. This would lead to the landlord losing money, as the tenants would unlikely stay in the premises, as they are not suitable or cannot afford the rent for too long a period. The landlord would then have to look for another tenant even before a year has ended.

The above pitfalls are unlikely to happen if one was to use a professional agent as this agent has a reputation and goodwill to uphold. He is also governed by the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya and would in all cases be qualified for the job.

Got this site where listings are linked directly to either the owner or the representing agent. I guess its easier.
guyz, take a look http://bit.ly/QDRkhb

You can also check out http://www.propertyzote.com
In Ref @T-Bag's question. how can we b sure there won't be quacks here too? Of course there are quacks here..even more dangerous ones who can clear you account....! The best thing to do is to carry out a proper due diligence.

1.Never be in a hurry to get/move into a house...always plan. Its easy to get conned when one is under pressure.
2.Get a proper and registered estate agent to help you locate a few offers. Online property websites like http://www.propertyzote.com has made it even easier to locate available offers.
3.Engage a proper agent. Usually enter into a contract. A finders fee may be applicable.varies with agents in upmarket, and the other areas,
4. Create time to view the houses...make an effort to talk to the current tenants on the rent payable, water supply and security.
5. Close the deal.

Thats great @Propertyzote. Real eye opener, n http://www.propertyzote.com is awsm. now I knw where to go. Thanks