Real Estate Workflows
To adapt the Real Estate Workflows for Kenyan real estate transactions in LiraDocs, here’s how you can modify the example workflows for Residential Sale and Residential Buy to align with Kenyan jurisdictional requirements and practices:
Residential Sale Workflow (Kenya)
| Task | Due When | Details / Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Send Engagement Letter | On Matter Opening | Send engagement letter to client and outline the terms of the sale. |
| 2. Attorney Review / Inspection Due | On Closing Details – Attorney Review Date | Ensure inspection reports are reviewed, and any issues are resolved. |
| 3. Order Title Search | 1 Week After Attorney Review / Inspection Due | Conduct a title search to confirm ownership and any encumbrances on the property. |
| 4. Review Title and Send to Buyer’s Attorney | 4 Working Days After “Order Title” | Ensure the title documents are reviewed, and send them to the buyer’s attorney. |
| 5. Order Property Valuation | On “Order Title” | Order a valuation report for Stamp Duty and transaction purposes. |
| 6. Check Municipality Requirements | 1 Week after “Order Title” | Confirm with the local council regarding transfer fees, land rates, and other charges. |
| 7. Order Survey | 3 Weeks Before Closing Date | Order a property survey to confirm boundaries and ensure no disputes. |
| 8. Order Payoff for Seller’s Loan | 2 Weeks Before Closing Date | Confirm any outstanding loans on the property and arrange for payoff. |
| 9. Get Seller’s Commission Statement | 10 Days Before Closing Date | Obtain the broker’s commission statement if applicable. |
| 10. Prepare Closing Docs | 10 Working Days Before Closing Date | Prepare all closing documents, including transfer forms, proof of payment, and title documents. |
| 11. Confirm Closing Date | 3 Working Days Before Closing Date | Confirm the closing date with the buyer, seller, and other parties involved. |
| 12. Check If Seller Is Signing POA or Attending Closing | 2 Weeks Before Closing Date | Confirm whether the seller will sign a Power of Attorney or attend the closing in person. |
Residential Buy Workflow (Kenya)
| Task | Due When | Details / Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Send Engagement Letter | On Matter Opening | Send engagement letter to the buyer and outline the terms of the purchase. |
| 2. Order Property Inspection | On Matter Opening | Schedule and order a property inspection to assess the condition of the property. |
| 3. Attorney Review Due | 2 Working Days Before Closing Date – Attorney Review Date | Review the property documents and ensure all terms are in order before proceeding. |
| 4. Attorney Review and Inspection Due | On Closing Details – Attorney Review Date | Ensure that the attorney review and property inspection reports are completed. |
| 5. Check Client/Lender On Loan Status | 2 Weeks Before Closing Date – Loan Status Date | Confirm with the lender regarding the buyer’s loan approval and any conditions. |
| 6. Intent to Proceed Due Today | On Closing Details – Intent To Proceed Date | Confirm the buyer’s intention to proceed with the purchase. |
| 7. Follow Up With Client/Lender On Loan Status | 2 Weeks Before Closing Date – Mortgage Commitment Date | Follow up with the lender regarding the mortgage commitment and ensure all documentation is complete. |
| 8. Mortgage Commitment Due | On Closing Details – Mortgage Commitment Date | Ensure that the mortgage commitment is finalized and documented. |
| 9. Check If Client Attending Closing or Signing POA | 2 Weeks Before Closing Date | Confirm if the buyer will attend the closing or sign a Power of Attorney for representation. |
| 10. Confirm Closing and Amount Needed to Bring to Closing | 3 Working Days Before Closing Date | Confirm the closing amount and ensure the buyer has the necessary funds for the transaction. |
| 11. Mail Deed To Client | 2 Months After Closing Date | After closing, mail the registered title deed to the client once the transfer is complete and registered with the Lands Office. |
Key Differences in Kenyan Real Estate Transactions:
- Stamp Duty: Ensure that all tasks related to Stamp Duty payment and documentation are added to the workflow, as this is a key component of property transfers in Kenya.
- Land Registration: Include specific steps for Land Registration at the Land Registry in Nairobi or other relevant locations, especially for confirming property titles.
- Local Council Requirements: In Kenya, local councils (e.g., Nairobi City County, Mombasa County) may require specific fees, rates, and clearance certificates, so include tasks to check these requirements early in the workflow.
- Valuation Reports: Ensure that the buyer obtains a Valuation Report from a certified property valuer, which is needed for Stamp Duty and financing purposes.
By adapting these workflows, LiraDocs can help streamline the process of real estate transactions in Kenya while ensuring compliance with local legal requirements and simplifying task management for your team.