Fakaba User Guide
Welcome to Fakaba! This guide will help you navigate the platform and make the most of all its features.
Getting Started with Fakaba
Creating Your Account
To get started with Fakaba, you'll need to create an account. This allows you to save favorites, contact agents, set up alerts, and more.
- Click on the "Sign Up" button in the top right corner
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Alternatively, sign up using your Google or Facebook account
- Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox
- Complete your profile by adding your personal information
User Types
Browse properties, save favorites, contact agents
List properties for sale or rent, manage listings
Professional account with advanced listing features
Navigating the Platform
Main Navigation
- Home - Main dashboard and featured properties
- Search - Find properties with advanced filters
- Map - Browse properties by location
- Agents - Find and contact real estate agents
User Dashboard
- Favorites - Properties you've saved
- Alerts - Your customized property alerts
- Messages - Communication with agents/owners
- Profile - Your personal information
Property Owner/Agent Tools
- My Listings - Manage your property listings
- Add Listing - Create new property listings
- Calendar - Schedule viewings and appointments
- Analytics - View your listing statistics
Quick Tips for Getting Started
Complete your profile with a photo and personal information to build trust with agents and property owners.
Set up property alerts early to get notified when new listings match your criteria.
Download our mobile app for on-the-go access to all Fakaba features.
Explore the market insights section to understand property trends in your areas of interest.
Searching for Properties
Basic Search
Fakaba offers multiple ways to search for properties that match your needs. You can use the search bar at the top of any page, browse the map, or use our advanced search filters.
Search Filters
Location
Search by city, neighborhood, or specific region. You can also draw a custom area on the map to narrow your search.
Property Type
Filter by property types like apartments, houses, villas, commercial spaces, or land.
Price Range
Set minimum and maximum price limits to find properties within your budget.
Additional Filters
- •Bedrooms and bathrooms
- •Property size (square meters)
- •Amenities (parking, pool, security, etc.)
- •Year built
- •Property condition
- •Nearby facilities (schools, hospitals, etc.)
- •Listing date (new properties)
Map Search
The map search feature allows you to visually browse properties by location. You can:
- •Zoom in to specific neighborhoods
- •Click on property markers to see basic information
- •Draw a custom search area
- •Filter map results using the same search filters
- •Toggle between map view and list view
Map search interface preview
Search Tips
Start with broader search criteria and gradually narrow down to find the perfect match.
Save your searches to quickly return to them later without re-entering criteria.
Use the "Sort by" feature to arrange properties by newest, price (high/low), or most relevant.
Managing Favorites
Saving and Organizing Favorites
How to Save Favorites
When you find a property you're interested in, you can save it to your favorites for easy access later:
- Click on the heart icon on any property card or property detail page
- The property will be immediately added to your favorites list
- You can add notes to your saved properties for future reference
- Organize favorites into different collections (e.g., "Top Choices," "To Visit")
Managing Your Favorites
Access your saved properties from your dashboard:
- Go to "Dashboard" > "Favorites"
- View all saved properties in a list or grid format
- Filter by property type, location, or custom collections
- Remove properties from favorites by clicking the heart icon again
- Compare selected favorites side by side
Creating Collections
Collections help you organize your favorites into meaningful groups:
Go to Favorites > "Create Collection" > Name your collection
Select properties > "Add to Collection" > Choose collection
Pro Tip
Use the "Share Collection" feature to send your shortlisted properties to family members or partners for their input. You can export your collections as PDF reports or share direct links.
Did You Know?
You'll receive notifications when there are price changes or updates to your favorited properties, helping you stay informed about important changes.
Working with Agents
Finding the Right Agent
Agent Directory
Fakaba has a comprehensive directory of verified real estate agents across Cameroon. You can:
- •Browse agents by location, specialization, or rating
- •View agent profiles with experience, listings, and reviews
- •Check agent credentials and verification status
- •See response time and activity level of agents
Agent Verification
Agents with a verification badge have undergone our verification process:
- Identity Verification
Government-issued ID and professional licensing
- Background Check
Professional history and credentials
- Client Reviews
Verified feedback from past clients
Contacting Agents
There are several ways to contact agents through our platform:
Direct Messaging
Send messages directly through our platform. Agents typically respond within 24 hours.
Phone Calls
Call agents directly if they've made their phone number available on their profile.
Schedule Viewing
Request a property viewing directly through a listing page or agent profile.
Working with an Agent
After connecting with an agent, you can continue your relationship through the platform:
- •Share saved properties and collections with your agent
- •Schedule and manage property viewings through our calendar system
- •Exchange documents and information securely
- •Leave reviews after your experience with an agent
Agent Selection Tips
Look for agents with specific experience in your desired neighborhood or property type.
Check the agent's activity level and response time to ensure they're actively working.
Read client testimonials and check their average rating before making your decision.
Additional Help Sections
Working with Agents
Learn how to find, contact, and work with real estate agents on Fakaba.
Creating Listings
Step-by-step guide to creating effective property listings.
Messaging System
How to communicate with agents, buyers, and sellers through our platform.
Setting Up Alerts
Create custom alerts to get notified about new properties that match your criteria.
Account Settings
Manage your profile, notification preferences, and account security.
Creating Listings
Listing Your Property
If you're a property owner or agent, you can create listings on Fakaba to reach potential buyers or renters.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Prepare Your Information
Gather all property details, measurements, features, legal documents, and high-quality photos.
- 2
Navigate to Create Listing
Go to your Dashboard > Properties > "Add New Listing" to start the process.
- 3
Fill in Property Details
Complete all required fields with accurate information about your property type, location, size, features, etc.
- 4
Upload Media
Add high-quality photos, videos, floor plans, and any virtual tours of your property.
- 5
Set Price and Terms
Specify your asking price and availability, along with any special terms or conditions.
- 6
Review and Publish
Preview how your listing will appear, make any necessary adjustments, and publish it to the platform.
Managing Your Listings
After publishing, you can manage your listings through your Dashboard:
Edit Listings
Update property details, photos, pricing, and availability at any time.
Track Performance
View statistics about views, inquiries, and user engagement with your listing.
Manage Inquiries
Respond to messages and coordinate viewings with interested parties.
Listing Options
Fakaba offers different listing types to suit your needs:
- Standard Listing: Free for property owners, included in basic account
- Featured Listing: Increased visibility in search results and homepage
- Premium Listing: Top placement, highlighted design, and expanded media options
Messaging System
Communicating on Fakaba
Our built-in messaging system allows secure communication between users, agents, and property owners without sharing personal contact information.
Starting a Conversation
There are several ways to initiate a conversation:
- •Click "Message" on any property listing to contact the owner/agent
- •Use the "Contact" button on agent profiles
- •Respond to inquiries about your own listings
- •Go to Messages > "New Message" to start a conversation
Managing Conversations
Access your messages from the Dashboard > Messages section:
- •View all conversations organized by property or contact
- •Star important conversations for quick access
- •Archive old conversations to keep your inbox organized
- •Set notification preferences for new messages
Messaging Features
Share Media
Exchange photos, videos, and documents directly through the chat interface.
Schedule Viewings
Propose and confirm viewing appointments with integrated calendar features.
Property Sharing
Share listing links directly in conversations with a preview card.
Message Templates
Save time with pre-written templates for common scenarios:
Property Inquiry
"Hello, I'm interested in this property and would like to know if it's still available. I'm particularly curious about [specific feature] and would appreciate more information about [topic]."
Viewing Request
"Hi there, I'd like to schedule a viewing of this property. I'm available on [dates/times]. Would any of these times work for you?"
Messaging Safety Tips
Keep all communication within the platform until you've established trust.
Be cautious of requests to wire money or pay deposits before seeing a property.
Report any suspicious messages or behavior to our support team.
Setting Up Alerts
Property Alerts
Stay updated on the latest properties that match your criteria with customized alerts. Receive notifications when new listings become available or when prices change.
Creating Property Alerts
- Go to your Dashboard > "Alerts" section
- Click on "Create New Alert"
- Define your search criteria (location, price range, property type, etc.)
- Set your notification preferences (email, push notifications, frequency)
- Name your alert (e.g., "3-bed houses in Douala")
- Save your alert
Types of Alerts
New Listing Alerts
Receive notifications when new properties matching your criteria are listed.
Price Change Alerts
Get notified when prices drop on properties you're watching or in your saved searches.
Status Change Alerts
Stay informed when a property status changes (e.g., from "For Sale" to "Pending" or "Sold").
Managing Your Alerts
Easily manage all your property alerts from one central location:
- •Edit alert criteria at any time to refine your searches
- •Pause alerts temporarily if you're not actively searching
- •Adjust notification frequency (instant, daily, or weekly summaries)
- •Delete alerts you no longer need
Alert Preferences
Customize how you receive notifications:
Delivery Methods
- Email notifications
- Push notifications (mobile app)
- SMS notifications (premium)
Frequency Options
- Instant alerts
- Daily digest
- Weekly summary
Pro Tips for Alerts
Create multiple alerts with slightly different criteria to ensure you don't miss any potential matches.
Set up price change alerts for neighborhoods you're interested in to spot good deals quickly.
Use the "instant alert" option for hot markets where properties sell quickly.
Account Settings
Managing Your Account
Keep your Fakaba account updated and secure by managing your profile information, notification preferences, and security settings.
Profile Information
Your profile helps establish trust with other users. Keep it up to date:
- •Upload a clear profile photo
- •Provide accurate contact information
- •Add a brief bio or introduction
- •List your preferences (property types, areas of interest)
Account Verification
Verified accounts receive higher trust ratings and more engagement:
- Email Verification
Confirm your email address
- Phone Verification
Verify your phone number via SMS
- ID Verification
Upload identification documents (for agents)
Notification Preferences
Control how and when you receive updates from Fakaba:
Property Notifications
- New properties matching your alerts
- Price changes on favorited properties
- Status updates (pending, sold, etc.)
- Recommended properties based on your preferences
Message Notifications
- New messages from agents or users
- Viewing requests and confirmations
- Inquiries about your listings
- Document sharing alerts
System Notifications
- Account security alerts
- Feature updates and platform news
- Billing and subscription information
- Market reports and insights
Security Settings
Protect your account with these security features:
- •Change your password regularly
- •Enable two-factor authentication
- •Review login history and active sessions
- •Set up login notifications
Privacy Controls
Manage what information is visible to other users:
- •Contact visibility (public, verified users only, or private)
- •Profile visibility settings
- •Activity status (online/offline visibility)
Subscription Management
Fakaba offers different account tiers to suit your needs. Manage your subscription:
- •Upgrade or downgrade your subscription
- •Update payment methods
- •View billing history and download invoices
- •Set up auto-renewal preferences
Need Additional Help?
Couldn't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help you with any questions or issues you might have.