The 'Stupid' Property Buyer With A Smart Mind

His doorbell rang. Surprised, he looked at the wall clock. It was 8.30 AM on a chilly Saturday morning. He was not expecting any guests at that time, hence the surprise reaction. Reluctantly, he rose from the sofa where he had been lying as he watched his favorite morning TV talk show about investment issues.

His name was Richard, a gentleman in his early 40s with considerable success in business ventures though still a bachelor. Was somehow wondering why his gate man never consulted him over the unexpected visitor or visitors before allowing anyone entry. However, the transmitted camera images got him relieved, though in suspense, on seeing one familiar guy and two other complete strangers that appeared to him like a mid-aged couple.

The familiar guy was Richard's humorous drinking buddy by the name Timothy, a teacher by profession. Timothy was a social guy who was generous with ideas and who often referred to Richard as 'master'. He was short in physical height and dark in complexion, with a funny soft voice.

''Good morning everyone, welcome in'', Richard ushered them in when he finally opened the door.

''Morning to you, thank you'', they responded, almost simultaneously as they got inside the bungalow.

''Meet Mr. & Mrs. James Ndekei', Timothy kicked off the introduction upon settling on the luxurious couches that occupied a sizable space in the large living room.

''My pleasure to meet you'', answered Richard, his eyes glued on them, wondering about the reason behind the seemingly odd impromptu visit.  

''He is Richard, though I have exclusive rights to call him 'Master,'' said Timothy in his usual light tone introducing his buddy to fellow visitors.

Richard smiled, offering to prepare some coffee for them, which he did and served in a very short while.

''I just thought you could be a beneficiary of some situation here. It is rather urgent'', Timothy started, sipping his coffee intermittently while Richard jerked his head in keen attention.

''James is my cousin and the only child to his deceased parents who perished in a road accident about two years ago. This couple has a young daughter with a serious medical condition requiring treatment in India..''

''Just a minute, have you just mentioned 'serious medical attention'? How do I become a beneficiary of such a situation? Or am I not getting it right?'' Richard interjected with multiple questions packed in a tone of sadness, even before Timothy had finished his statement.

'' Please master, let me finish. As a part of raising money for the treatment in India, James is urgently selling some property. It is a 100 by 100 plot in town. A commercial building can be put up there,'' explained Timothy, and then paused while staring at Richard as if to see if his words were being well received.

''Mmmmh I see. Am really sorry for your situation.. Please how much is the property selling at?'' Richard asked, turning to the couple.

''At 3M you have it,'' answered James in a somewhat faint voice.

Richard owned a big restaurant and a club at a rented space in the same town and was often declaring interest in real estate every time he got into conversations with his buddies. That is why Timothy considered him for the deal.

'' Remember you can put up your businesses on that space buddy.. Think about that location. This is a windfall opportunity'', Timothy remarked, in an obvious bid to convince Richard.

Back in his mind, Richard knew that the value of the plot was much higher than quoted. He also knew that he badly needed the space. And he had the financial muscle to embrace the opportunity. He thought for a while. If he failed to buy, someone else would definitely buy without thinking twice. But there was another voice warning him against taking advantage of a desperate situation for selfish gain.

'' James, do you know the real market value of that plot?'' Richard eventually asked. He was sure that the couple did not consult for professional valuation of their property. Having interacted with a few real estate agents, Richard was a little conversant with that field unlike Timothy, who most likely ill-advised the couple. In fact, Richard had earlier witnessed a 50 by 100 plot in the same town being sold at 2.5M! With that in mind, he could not understand how a 100 by 100 could go at a mere 3M.

''Probably, the pressure from their daughter's issue is pushing them quite hard. Selling cheap for a quick sale to urgently meet an end'', he thought.

''Our main goal is to get money for our daughter's treatment. We need a total of 2.8M for that exercise. We need it quickly, no time for fundraising. So please if you can buy at that 3M and sell at your own higher price, we don't care about it,'' responded James. You could note a deep sense of desperation in his voice.

'' You see Richard; this is a very urgent issue. It is about a quick sale to save their daughter,'' Timothy intervened. One thing he was sure of was that Richard would afford it at that cost. He was actually surprised that Richard was struggling to make the 'clever' decision of going for it.

''I understand the seriousness of your need. But let me tell you something, I won’t buy it at that price,'' Richard said to everyone's surprise. They all looked at each other in amazement.

''You want a lower price really?'' asked James

'' I will buy it at the market value. Simply, I won't take advantage of your naivety. Okay?'' responded Richard as he scrolled through his phone, seemingly searching for a contact. He was looking for Citiscape Valuers & Estate Agents. He had saved their contacts after noting that several of his friends in real estate had successfully used their services. He was also considering purchasing a property with that agency in future.

Silence ensued, as they all waited to see what Richard was up to.

'' I want us to involve the services of a valuation and real estate expert. We can have the valuation exercise done today, then we see what to do. It is a great agency that will give proper guidance and advice. Don't worry, everything will be fine,'' said Richard, ''are you okay with that?''

''Sure, but hope the process won't take long,'' replied James, her wife's face showing a sign of discontentment.

Nevertheless, Richard called Citiscape Valuers & Estate Agents and immediately arranged a visit to the property site for valuation the same day. By the end of the day, Timothy and the couple were astonished to note that the actual worth of the plot was 6.5M!

''Look, this plot is in a very economically rich and prime area with access to all essential facilities. This town is developing and you will be amazed at the value of these properties here a few years from now,'' advised the agent.

After they were done with the agency, they proceeded to Richard's office, a few minutes’ drive from the property site. He had already made a decision.

'' Guys, I think you will still need a piece of that plot. The fact is, you wouldn't sell it if not for your predicament. So, I will buy half of it, which will get you enough money for your urgent needs, then you can spare the other half for your future,'' he said at last. It was like a judge making an acquittal judgment to a suspect. It was all smiles to the couple. They hug each other, not believing what they had just heard.

''We thank you Timothy for connecting us with Richard. Richard, we can't thank you enough'', emotionally, James couldn't help uttering.

Later, a transfer was processed and the deal done. The couple's daughter successfully got her treatment and is doing well. James is now planning to develop the remaining 50 by 100 for commercial purposes, having learnt some good lessons.

 Never let your circumstances lead you into blind decisions. At least when it comes to property issues. Secondly, always consult experts before making big decisions no matter your situation.

Written By: Daniel K. Maina (QwariaMedia Writer & Editor)

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