Programming is an important skill of the 21st century. When one begins to learn programming, there are many projects taught to get the learner acquainted with the library of knowledge in the coding spectrum.
As this knowledge increases, an innate need to choose an area of speciality or a vocation where the skills can be applied begins to develop. Some programmers choose web development among them Sami Mali.
When Mali first came to Nairobi, he was impressed and captivated by the size and volume of properties in the city. There were sprawling towers everywhere; apartments, cities, office spaces and commercial properties.
However, after familiarising himself with city life, he noted something critical about the real estate market in Nairobi. Property options were abundant, but there was a huge disconnect between property seekers and those offering the properties.
“I realized it was so difficult for people to find the right property. Whether it was looking for office space or finding a new home, there was a lack of a streamlined way for property seekers to access the right listings,” Mali reflected.
This fueled his resolve to bridge the gap between property owners, realtors, developers and property seekers, through a unique way; programming. The result of this urge is Mali’s brainchild, My Realtor.
Mali designed and created a website that has transformed how people in Nairobi and beyond search for property listings. He started writing the code for the website in early 2021, and today, his idea is helping people.
“It wasn’t easy. Programming and building the website was challenging, but I was determined. I wanted to solve a problem that affected so many people.”
To understand the industry he wanted to offer a solution to, Mali began travelling around Nairobi and its environs to get a grasp of the real estate landscape. The early days of My Realtor were adventurous and full of exploration.
“I spent a lot of time understanding the pricing of properties and how the market works. It became clear to me that the challenge wasn’t just finding properties, it was about making it easier for people to find the right fit.”
As Mali worked to grow his platform, both opportunities came along with their share of challenges.
He insists that My Realtor is a full-on marketing hub for all kinds of real estate spaces; more like an online marketplace shopping space for properties. Some of the real estate available includes houses, apartments, offices, meeting rooms and even storage spaces.
“Some property owners were very open to listing their properties on My Realtor because they saw it as a way to market their spaces better and faster,” he shares.
“Others, however, misunderstood us and thought we were property agents. But we’re not; We are a platform that helps realtors and property owners advertise their spaces to a wider audience,” Sami Mali added.
Furthermore, My Realtor lets homeowners earn an extra income by renting out unused spaces for house-sharing, making it easy to turn empty rooms into a source of income
“This feature has been a hit as it helps people make use of unused space in their homes while providing tenants with affordable living options,” Mali told Bizna Kenya.
The platform is free for anyone wishing to list their property. Mali and his team vet each listing to ensure only genuine, approved spaces are offered to clients.
“We take the extra step to make sure the properties are genuine. This builds trust with both property owners and seekers,” he explains.
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Building My Realtor wasn’t just about fixing a problem, but rather a vital lesson in taking steps to ensure things happen.
“A lot of people wait for the right moment to start, but I believe in starting small and figuring things out as you go. There will never be a perfect time, but if you have a problem you can solve, just start. Don’t chase money, focus on providing solutions, and the money will follow,” he advised aspiring entrepreneurs.
In the future, Sami Mali seeks to expand his business beyond Kenya by growing to other East African countries.
“In the next five years, I see us growing to serve not just Kenya, but other East African countries as well. We want to offer people across the region an easy way to find and advertise properties.”
