Let's Talk About Realty

Harare is growing. So why is building the right thing so hard? There are sites in Borrowdale that I think about more than most listings I've worked with. Large stands. Established addresses. Some carry dual zoning for residential and commercial, offering something genuinely rare in this city: optionality. A developer could build luxury cluster homes and respond to the hunger for a secure, high-end residential product in the northern suburbs. They could go commercial, tap into the corridor of business activity that Borrowdale Road has quietly become. Or, if they are bold enough and patient enough, they could do both. On paper, these are exactly the kinds of opportunities that should attract serious development money immediately. And yet. The city has a plan. It just hasn't caught up with itself. The Harare Master Plan 2025–2045, prepared by DSA Consortium and formally adopted by City Council in July 2025, is the most comprehensive urban blueprint this city has pr...

 From as early as we can remember, the concept of “The Market” has been drilled into us. We are taught it is a simple construct: demand, supply, and the variable of price. In a classroom, these are just lines on a graph. In reality, though, it affects your home, your investment, and your future. It’s a much heavier conversation. The Subtle Shift We have recently witnessed a significant shift in the property landscape, moving firmly into a Buyer’s Market . For a seller, this is heavy news. It is especially difficult to hear when you are banking on the sale of a property to cater to key life needs, perhaps a retirement fund, a relocation, or a business venture. In a Seller’s Market, a property is often priced not at its objective market value, but at the seller’s future needs. When choice is limited and prices are inflated, sellers can get away with “Needs-Based Pricing.” But the pendulum has swung. There are now more properties on the market and fewer buyers with the capital or des...

We’ve all heard the cliché: "He’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers." It’s a metaphor for foresight and strategy, but in the world of modern business, it’s becoming something deeper. It’s the difference between seeing a person and seeing a transaction. The sad reality is that everyone is selling something. We are all participants in an economy where making a living is the baseline requirement for survival. Yet, as humans, we possess an innate radar for "the pitch." We can feel when we are being managed, processed, or funnelled. So, how do we remove the "core element" - the transaction, from what we do? The Cost vs. Service Paradox When you meet a professional, they generally lean into one of two camps: The Cost-Centric: They focus on the price, the discount, or the "deal." They are playing checkers, looking for the quickest path to the end of the board. The Service-Centric: They focus ...

  I haven’t written in a while. That is a fact I am all too aware of. When a writer goes dark, the external world assumes the usual suspects: a packed schedule, a loss of "steam," or perhaps the arrival of some profound new knowledge that requires months of quiet percolation. But the truth is often less cinematic and much more human. The short answer is no; I didn’t run out of time, and I didn’t run out of ideas. I just wasn’t ready. The Judgmental Reflection Writing is one of the few activities that forces you to stand directly in front of a mirror. Not the kind of mirror you glance at to check your hair before a listing appointment or a meeting, but a raw, judgmental mirror. When you sit down to put thoughts to paper or fingers to keyboard, you are doing more than sharing information. You are laying yourself bare. You are taking the internal architecture of your mind and inviting the world to walk through it. We do this in the hope of resonance; we want someone to see the w...

 We’ve all been there. The late nights, the endless spreadsheets, the "one more thing" before we call it a day. You spend weeks, months, or even years crafting something. You refine the architectural lines, you obsess over the finishings, or you cultivate a product until it’s "perfect." Then you stand back, look at your creation, and the silence hits you. Whom did you build this for? The Onion Dilemma I recently spoke with a friend who poured his heart into growing onions. He grew a magnificent crop, but as he looked at his harvest, he realised the hardest part wasn't the soil or the water; it was the realisation that he now had to go out and find a market. He had the product, but he hadn't identified the person. In real estate, we see this constantly. We see developers break ground on luxury high-rises in a market screaming for affordable middle-class housing. We see homeowners over-capitalise on renovations that suit their specific, niche tastes but alien...

How does the big miss happen? Two people can watch the exact same thing and walk away with two completely different conclusions. One sees a golden opportunity, while the other just sees another news story. Often, the difference is as simple as having boots on the ground. In a world where information is rampant, we can easily find ourselves woefully misinformed. It’s not that we are ignorant; rather, the information is so varied that we become confused, wondering which source is actually true. Real estate can feel exactly like that. Not every conversation with an agent is about making a sale—and it shouldn’t be. But a good conversation can help you get accurate, localized information and develop a working relationship with someone who knows the market. Property isn’t always about finding the ‘best’ deal or the ‘cheapest’ option; it’s about identifying what works for your specific needs. So, before throwing around percentages or projecting future returns on investment, sit down for a fr...

I was speaking to a colleague recently about the importance of challenging ourselves and tackling the difficult things at work. But as we talked, another thought came to mind: When do we actually decide to post or write? Usually, we wait until we have something we deem "important" to say. We wait for the big milestones, the heavy industry insights, or the life-changing topics. But what happens to the rest of it? Think about everyday human conversation. The vast majority of what we talk about isn’t life-altering. It’s the "fluff"—the meaningless yet profoundly meaningful chats that only seem to matter when we reflect on them later. That "fluff" is the actual human experience, and we are better for it. So why do we lose that the second we sit down to write? In the professional world, we often strip away the human element to sound polished or efficient. But what is our work without it? What is a team meeting without those small moments of connection? In real ...

How many times has a colleague or friend mentioned a “difficult to imagine” opportunity, an industry to invest in, a project to back, and you hesitated? Someone talks about putting money into a particular sector for future gains; you nod, you stall… then the moment passes. Does that sound familiar? Life is full of these moments. You reassure yourself that next time you will jump in. But then again, you blink. Reassurances are comforting, but they do not move money, and they do not build wealth. You have heard the phrase, “You need to spend money to make money.” It is true, however, no future investment is risk-free, even property. So, when is the best time to buy? When is the best time to sell? That is the real question. Right now, in Zimbabwe, we are seeing a surge in cluster and townhouse developments. But it is crucial to understand not all developments are equal. That is a thought borrowed from  Animal Farm  by George Orwell: “All animals are equal, but some animals are mo...

When someone asks, “What do you do?” most people think of a job title or whatever brings in money. But the real question is deeper: What do you do consistently? Because doing something once is easy. Doing it well, every day, is where greatness is built. You already know I love my sports, so let’s talk LeBron James. You may have heard of him. One of his most underrated records is his streak of scoring 10+ points in 1,297 consecutive games . That’s nearly 18 years of showing up, performing, refining, and refusing to drop below his standard. That’s not just talent. That’s discipline. That’s consistency. And that’s exactly what real estate demands. Real estate often feels like stepping into the unknown. There are no shortcuts, no cheat codes, no overnight success stories. Everyone who has made it will tell you the same thing: consistency beats intensity . LeBron didn’t skip steps. He managed his body, studied the game, and competed against the best in the world every single nig...

In chess, there is a concept called Zugzwang. It describes a situation where a player is put at a disadvantage because they must make a move, but every available move makes their position worse. Many sellers feel this way after their property has sat on the market for three, four, or five months. They feel stuck. If they lower the price, they feel they are "losing" money. If they keep the price the same, the property continues to gather dust, becoming what I call a "stale listing." But here is the truth: You are not in Zugzwang. You are just afraid to pivot. In my last article, we discussed how overpricing causes you to lose the market. Today, let’s talk about how to get it back. The Sunk Cost Fallacy The biggest enemy of a stale listing is not the market conditions; it is the seller’s ego. We tell ourselves, "But I’ve already waited this long, surely the right buyer is just around the corner." This is the Sunk Cost Fallacy. It’s a refusal to change course...

Did you spend 2025 in “wait‑and‑see” mode, perhaps watching the market, weighing your options, trying to decide when to make your next move? As we step back into the office and reset for the new year, one trend in Harare is becoming impossible to ignore. You’ve seen it. I’ve seen it. Everyone in the market is talking about it. The rise of the townhouse complex. If 2025 was the year of hesitation, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of strategic action . And nothing captures that shift better than the surge in demand for cluster living. Whether you’re a young professional buying your first home or a diaspora investor looking for a clean, low‑maintenance asset, the townhouse is ticking every box. Here’s why I believe 2026 will be the Year of the Cluster . 1. The Lock‑Up‑and‑Go Lifestyle Is Now Essential The romance of the one‑acre northern suburbs home is fading fast. Between mowing lawns, maintaining pools, and managing security, a standalone house has quietly become a part‑time j...

The Hidden Cost of Mispricing and the Power of Perceived Value We’ve all said it: “It’s overpriced.” “They’re asking for too much.” “You’ve priced me out.” These phrases echo a deeper truth: price and value are not the same thing . Price is a number. Value is perception. And perception is shaped by timing, presentation, and emotional resonance.  The Misconception of Starting High In property and in many industries, there’s a flawed strategy: Start high, let them negotiate down. But here’s the danger: when a product is correctly priced, it’s unyielding . It doesn’t invite negotiation; it invites the right buyer. The one who sees the value and moves swiftly. Overpricing, on the other hand, delays movement. It breeds doubt. It creates a psychological barrier between desire and action. And in real estate, time is not neutral. It’s corrosive.  The Risk of Lingering A property that stays too long on the market becomes a question mark: What’s wrong with ...

“Expensive.” “Overpriced.” “Undervalued.” These are the words that echo through conversations about the housing market often spoken with frustration, skepticism, or resignation. And while there’s a kernel of truth in each, they don’t tell the full story. Yes, property prices can feel inflated. Yes, some listings seem to defy logic. And yes, buyers and sellers alike often question whether true value still exists. But here’s the twist: value isn’t just about numbers. It’s about perspective, timing, and strategy. In our previous article, we explored “the cost of cheap” how chasing low prices can sometimes lead to costly compromises. But that’s just one layer of the housing market’s complexity. The real intrigue lies in how perception shapes decision-making, and how savvy navigation can turn apparent disadvantages into golden opportunities. The Mirage of Price: Why Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Overpriced Let’s start with a metaphor: imagine a diamond buried in sand. To the untrai...

As a lover of all things tech, I’ve noticed a curious pattern that speaks volumes about how we value protection, investment, and expertise. Someone saves up for months to buy the latest smartphone. It’s sleek, powerful, and full of potential. But what happens next? They rush to buy the cheapest case they can find, a $2 plastic shell that barely fits, barely protects, and barely honours the value of what it holds. They feel satisfied. The device is “protected.” But is it really? Now let’s zoom out. Let’s talk about real estate.  The Parallel That Hits Home You’ve worked hard. You’ve saved. You’re ready to enter the property market, maybe to buy your first home, invest in a rental, or secure a family legacy. But then comes the decision: Do I hire a registered agent or go it alone? You tell yourself, “Agents are too expensive.” So, you find someone who’s cheaper. Someone who says all the right things. Someone who feels like a shortcut. That’s your $2 case. ⚠️ What ...

New beginnings are scary. They’re thrilling, yes, but they also ask us to close chapters we once thought were permanent. They demand courage, not just to start, but to let go. And letting go isn’t always dramatic; it’s often quiet, personal, and deeply emotional. For me, writing has always been a passion. It’s how I process, persuade, and connect. It’s the thread that’s stitched meaning into my work, my relationships, and my reflections. That’s not ending. But something new is beginning. I’m adding a voice to the page, a literal one. We’re starting a podcast. Now, almost anyone can start one. That’s true. But here’s my argument: my worldview isn’t a carbon copy of the next person’s. It’s shaped by stories, scars, and strategies that deserve to be heard. I’ve spent years negotiating, storytelling, and listening. And if I can share what I know, and my partner brings their own lens to the table, I believe we’ll find an audience that resonates. Still, it’s scary. It feels like we’re steppi...

Weep not for roads untraveled, nor for the one that got away. These words often echo in the quiet corners of our minds, moments of reflection on paths not taken, chances missed, or dreams deferred. In today’s fast-evolving world, many liken new opportunities like AI to the cryptocurrency wave of years past. The comparison is apt: both arrived cloaked in uncertainty, promising transformation but demanding courage. But what prompts us to reflect on missed opportunities? A well-read colleague once quoted Shakespeare to me: “Things without all remedy should be without regard.” It struck me. Perhaps the real tragedy isn’t the missed opportunity, but the paralysis that precedes it, the fear of the unknown that keeps us from leaping. When opportunity does arrive, it rarely wears a name tag. It often feels like a disaster waiting to happen. I know this firsthand. I took a leap of faith into real estate with no backup plan. No safety net. No guarantees. And I’m not here to tell you ...

In the world of real estate, the “sold” sign is often treated as the final punctuation mark in a successful transaction. The ink dries, the keys change hands, and we move on to the next listing. But in our rush to celebrate closure, we risk overlooking the most vital part of the process, the echo that follows the sale. That echo is feedback. Feedback is not a courtesy. It is the compass by which we navigate improvement. It is the mirror that reflects not just what we did, but how it was received. Like a finely crafted watch, our service is made up of many moving parts: negotiation, presentation, empathy, and timing. Remove even one cog, however small, and the entire mechanism falters. Feedback is that cog. Without it, we operate blind, assuming that silence equals satisfaction. In my experience, feedback is the lifeblood of excellence. It’s how we evolve from being transactional agents to transformational advisors. It’s how we move from selling properties to building legacies. And ye...

Every morning, the alarm rings. We rise, dress, and step into the rhythm of routine. But beneath the surface of this daily choreography lies a deeper question—one we rarely ask aloud: Why do I go to work? Why do I do what I do? Some answer quickly: “I work for my family.” “I must provide for those who depend on me.” These are noble truths—anchors of responsibility and love. Others say, “I love what I do.” But let us be honest: that answer is rare. And yet, it is the one that transforms obligation into inspiration. So how do we get there? How do we move from  must  to  meaning ? It’s Not Just About the Money We’ve all seen it people earning well, yet feeling hollow. And others earning modestly, yet radiating joy. Clearly, fulfillment isn’t found in the paycheck alone. It’s found in  mastery , in becoming good at what you do.  The Power of Progress Think back to a time you tried something unfamiliar. It was awkward. Frustrating. You weren’t p...

Yesterday, I played golf. Not just a casual round, I played my first full 18 holes. And somewhere around hole 9, I was ready to quit. The sun was relentless. My swing was inconsistent. My energy was fading. I looked at the remaining holes and thought, “Why am I doing this?” But then something unexpected happened: I didn’t quit. Not because the course got easier. It didn’t. Not because I suddenly became Tiger Woods. I didn’t. I kept going because of the people around me. Fellow colleagues, each with their own goals and frustrations, offered encouragement when my spirit dipped. A fist bump after a decent drive. A laugh after a disastrous putt. A shared nod of “we’ve got this” when the fairway felt endless. Their support turned a solo struggle into a shared journey.  The Psychology of Perseverance Golf is often described as a mental game, and it truly is. Every hole is a fresh challenge. Every swing demands focus. Every mistake lingers longer than it should. But what I l...

We often talk about homes in square meters, coordinates, or market value. But when someone whispers “I just need a place to rest”,  they’re not asking for a roof; they’re asking for sanctuary. A home is more than bricks, beams, and boundary walls. It’s the place where your spirit exhales. Where your guard drops, and you don’t have to rehearse your presence. A true home isn’t bought. It’s found.   What Does “Rest” Really Mean in the Property World? In the whirlwind of open houses, brochures, and budget calculations, rest often gets lost in the noise. But it’s quietly at the center of every search. Rest is emotional real estate. It’s the ability to feel safe, inspired, and accepted without performing. Rest is legacy-minded. It’s the place that holds your stories, your laughter, your scars, all without judgment. Rest is location-agnostic. Whether nestled in the quiet of Borrowdale or perched above the hills of Glen Lorne, rest isn...