A civil engineering graduate-turned-digital real estate consultant, Faith Ike is redefining how property is sold and secured in Delta State and beyond.
Known online as the “Digital Realtor”, Faith has carved out a niche that merges property hustle with social media savvy, attracting clients from as far away as Israel through nothing but sheer consistency and faith in her brand.
In this engaging interview with Rita Oyiboka, Faith opens up about her journey into real estate, her digital-first approach, the politics and pitfalls of land sales in Nigeria, and her vision to become a global brand in the industry. Excerpt
Let’s meet you, Ma.
My name is Faith Ike. I am a digital real estate consultant with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State.
What does it mean to be a digital real estate consultant?
To be visible online. I’m in real estate, but I don’t follow the traditional methods like other people do, which is why the term “digital” is part of my name. I’m doing it differently from other realtors. There are millions of realtors out there, so I had to carve out my niche and do things differently. I found that my strength lies in social media. So, that’s where the name “Digital Realtor” comes from.
Do you still engage in the traditional side of real estate?
Yes, I do face-to-face business as well. But honestly, I’ve not been focusing on it much. I don’t know why, but the truth is that the online platform helps me more. That’s where I generate my clients and prospects. But I still engage in traditional marketing too.
When did you enter the real estate sector?
I joined in July 2023.
How did you start?
I started under a popular real estate company, which I am currently working under, but I have a brand called “Digital Realty” that I am focusing on more.
Can you take us back to the first time you sold a property? What did you do right, and what might you have done wrong in that process?
Wow, that was a sweet experience. When I first joined real estate, it took me about two months and three weeks before I made my first sale. It was quite discouraging. But I kept pushing, doing the same thing, and by the end of September, I got a call via Facebook. A person named Mr. Chili from Israel called me about a property I had posted for N550,000.
I had been posting properties since July, but this was the first time I got such an enquiry. He asked how genuine the property was, and I assured him it was legitimate. He sent someone to inspect the land, and after receiving feedback, he decided to proceed with the payment. I was amazed and a little scared because I didn’t know this person. I was concerned it might be a scam, but we sealed the deal, and it went through.
Amid growing fears that aggressive real estate development is encroaching on arable land and threatening Nigeria’s food security, what is your stance on the increasing conversion of farmland into estates, and do you believe this trend poses a real risk to future food?
Well, we still have land available. For example, in Delta, people say there’s no more land in places like Okpanam and Ibusa. But if you do a bit of research, you’ll see there’s still plenty of untapped land. We acquired land in Ibusa, which is quite large, and some people still farm there. However, once we acquire land, we give farmers a grace period, from now until six months, to harvest their crops. After that, we take possession of the land. We don’t chase people off their land; we simply give them time to finish what they’re doing.
Real estate developers are often accused of selling lofty promises that rarely materialise. In your experience, what fuels this trust deficit in the industry, and what concrete steps should prospective buyers take to avoid falling victim to fraudulent or overhyped property deals?
Before investing in real estate, you must do your research. Look into the company, the land, the location, its accessibility, and any ongoing or planned development in the area. Real estate developers often secure land by fencing it, setting up security, drainage, and other basic infrastructure.
However, it’s important that you, as the buyer, take part in the development. Once you invest, you’re part of the process, not just a passive buyer. You should also contribute. You can start building, and if you’re not ready to build, you can at least fence your plot, because you are also involved in the development. Don’t leave everything to the developer.
As a real estate professional in Delta State, what reforms would you like to see, especially concerning the land sales, registration and validation process? How can it be made more credible and seamless?
I think the government is doing well, especially in terms of security. Recently, some realtors in Asaba met with the government to address concerns that investors were getting nervous due to security issues. The governor and DPO reassured us, and I’ve seen many improvements since then. They’re working on enhancing security, and I believe it’s making a positive difference.
How do you ensure the authenticity of the land papers, especially in areas where land grabbing and communal conflicts are prevalent? Have you ever been involved in any disputes with land grabbers?
Yes, especially with lands in Ibusa and Okpanam. There’s always conflict, boundary disputes everywhere. I know of several properties we have behind the airport, where we ended up paying for the same land three times.
You buy the land, they give you documents, then other villagers show up claiming, ‘We are the rightful owners. This is boundary land, we own it.’ What do you do? You settle it. We resolve the issues because investors have already started making payments and are committed. You can’t turn around and tell them the land they paid for is no longer available.
So we settle the dispute, pay off both sides if we have to, and secure the land. In situations like that, you just have to settle the two parties and take possession.
If someone wants to buy land or property, what’s the one thing you would advise them to avoid?
Avoid buying personal property that isn’t tied to a recognised real estate brand. Personal property often comes with a lot of legal issues, and you might end up in court for years without resolving anything. A good real estate company with integrity will work with you to resolve any issues that arise. If there’s a problem, they’ll find a substitute for you, ensuring that your investment is protected.
What has been your most significant accomplishment in real estate so far?
My most significant accomplishment has been my personal development. Real estate has taught me a lot. It’s not just about selling land; it’s about growth. I’ve learned many valuable skills through the process, it’s broken me, molded me, and made me who I am today.
I’ve undergone several trainings, and I can proudly say that today, I train others. But when I joined real estate, I was timid. I couldn’t even face a camera. I couldn’t talk to anybody.
Now, because of the trainings made available to us, we are no longer local agents; we are professional realtors. We are trained to become perfect and to improve in our respective fields. Real estate has taught me to become a professional realtor.
What do you want to gain in the real estate sector? In five to ten years, where do you see yourself?
Honestly, the major reason I joined real estate was to impact lives. Yes. I didn’t join real estate because I wanted to make money. Of course, we are making money out of it, but the primary reason I joined was to change lives, to start the change I want to see in the world, beginning with myself and extending to others.
So, from now to six, eight, or ten years, I want to become a global brand. One that people come to for training, consultation, people like new affiliates, managing directors, and such.
Hobbies?
Aside from making money, I love travelling and exploring, gaining insight into the world, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone just stepping into the real estate sector?
Patience, consistency, leaving your comfort zone, and God, these are the four keys I’ll give to anyone trying to strive in this industry.
And believe you me, you’ll see yourself reaching greater heights.
