Adulting, Marriage, and Real Estate Investing – My Take After 15 Years

As I approach the 4th floor, I can confidently say I’ve learned a lot along the way. With 15 years of experience in real estate, I’ve helped countless people buy, sell, and value property. I’ve traveled all over Kenya, done valuations in six countries, and been in three different continents. On the personal side, I’ve been married for 13 wonderful years to the same amazing woman, I thank God, and together, we’ve volunteered as lay marriage counselors at our church for over five years.

While adulting is something that happens over time, marriage and real estate investing are choices you make as you step into adulthood.

Here’s what I’ve learned about maximizing both.

Not Legally Married? What Are You Waiting For?

If you’re living with someone but haven’t tied the knot yet, ask yourself: “What’s holding me back?” Break up or give your partner the dignity of making things official. You are a tax payer, take advantage of Sheria house. Plus, when it comes to serious real estate investments (especially if you’re borrowing), having a marriage certificate is a game-changer. It means both incomes are considered, which can get you a bigger loan or better interest rates. It’s a win-win.

Work on Your Communication Skills

Married life isn’t all roses, but good communication makes a huge difference. There are tons of great podcasts and books on how to improve communication. When you learn to listen better and spot biases in both your thinking and your partner’s, you’ll find that you’re moving toward the same goals faster. Strong communication = a stronger partnership.

Tackle Your Addictions

Too much of anything is poisonous. How do you expect your spouse to trust you with a major financial decision like a 20 year mortgage if you can’t control your appetites? Manage your impulses. Balance is key. Catch the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards when they blossom. Bible.

Honor Your Commitments

If you’ve chosen a monogamous relationship, live like it. Stop hiding a second life or funding a side relationship. It’s easy to think you’re managing it all, but soon enough, you’ll start dealing with child support payments—and that’s not where you want your life to head. Stay committed to your spouse and protect your relationship.

Family First, Then the ‘Dream Home’

Before you start fantasizing about buying that piece of land for your “retirement home,” make sure your family home is settled. Once you’ve got that squared away, then you can look at the wilderness options later. Your first home should be your focus, especially with banks offering you KMRC mortgages at 9.5% for your primary residence. Choose wisely where you want to buy. If you are buying a plot, look for one in a gated estate where your kids can ride their bikes outside your compound and you know they are safe. If you are buying an apartment, look for one that has green spaces and social amenities like a playing field, swimming pool, gymn, a place where you can take a walk and your kids can ride their bikes etc. Not one where your kids will be playing in the car park or you have to go to Karura to see some greenery or to your sports club for the kids to run around. If you outgrow the space or you want to move out, your house will definitely get a suitable buyer or tenant.

Pay your debts.

You definitely don’t want to end up on the CRB blacklist, or worse, have debt collectors calling or your property being auctioned. It is not good for your mental health. Take control of your debt—restructure it, sell off what you don’t need, and most importantly, live within your means.

The Power of Partnership

Finally, let me leave you with a thought: “One can chase a thousand, two can chase 10,000.” – Bible. That’s the power of synergy. When you’re aligned with the right person, whether in marriage or in business, you can achieve so much more together than you ever could on your own.

Take it from me: adulting, marriage, and real estate aren’t just about making decisions—they’re about making the right ones for the long term.

Valuer Kariùki, MRICS

Lets talk +254 723 477035 or email info@kariukiwaweru.com