Before you pay for that land in Lekki, read this.

Every week someone sends me a WhatsApp message that starts the same way. "Faxyman, I found a plot. The price is sweet. Should I pay?"

My answer is always the same. Not yet.

Not because the deal is bad. Maybe it is good. But in Lagos, a good deal and a fake deal can wear the same clothes. So before anybody pays, I walk through seven checks. You can do them too.

1. See it with your own eyes. Pictures lie. Videos are edited. Go to the land. Stand on it. If you live abroad, send someone you trust, not the person selling it.

2. Ask for the title documents, then verify them. A C of O, a Governor's Consent, a registered survey. Ask for copies and have a lawyer search them at the land registry. A paper is only as good as the record behind it.

3. Check the survey against the ground. The beacons on the land should match the survey plan. If the seller cannot show you the beacons, ask why.

4. Confirm the land is not under government acquisition. Some areas look perfect and still carry acquisition issues. A proper search will tell you.

5. Talk to the neighbours. Ten minutes with the people next door can save you ten years of trouble. They know who owns what, and who has been fighting over it.

6. Never pay cash to a stranger. Pay into a traceable account, collect receipts, and sign a proper deed of assignment with a lawyer present.

7. Watch out for rush. "Pay today or lose it" is the oldest trick in the city. A real owner can wait for you to do your homework.

That is it. Seven checks. No magic.

I do this for every client at Faxyman Realtors, whether it is land in Ibeju-Lekki, a house for rent in Ajah or a duplex in Lekki Phase 1. Because when I hand you the keys, I want you to sleep well.

Found a property and want a second pair of eyes? Send it to me on WhatsApp. I will tell you the truth, even when the truth is wait.