How to use Roja Scout

Before you can interact with landlords or post properties, setting up a solid profile is essential. A complete profile builds trust within the Roja Scout community.

The Verified Badge

Look out for the green Verified Tick next to user profiles. This means the user has submitted official identification (like a National ID or Passport) to our team for review. We highly recommend completing identity verification in your Account Dashboard to increase your response rate by up to 300%.

Completing your Dashboard

Ensure your phone number, first name, and last name are correctly filled out in your profile settings. You will not be able to post any Offers or Requests until these basic details are provided.

Roja Scout features a dual-marketplace system. You can browse Offers (properties posted by landlords and agents) or browse Requests (housing wanted ads posted by tenants). To find your next home, make sure you are on the "Offers" tab.

Standard Search vs. AI Search

• Standard Search: Use our advanced filters to narrow down properties by exact price, location, property type (e.g., Cottage, Apartment), and essential Zimbabwean amenities like Solar Power or Borehole Water.
• AI Search ✨: Click the "AI Search" toggle and simply talk to it like a human. Try typing: "I need a 2 bedroom apartment in Mount Pleasant with a borehole for under $600." Our AI will instantly interpret your text and apply all the correct filters automatically.

To attract the best tenants quickly, your property listing needs to be detailed, accurate, and visually appealing.

How to Advertise Successfully

• Write a clear title: Avoid generic titles. Use something descriptive like "Modern 3-Bed Townhouse in Highlands with Solar."
• Be transparent about costs: Clearly state the monthly rent, but don't forget to list the required deposit and any agent fees. Tenants appreciate knowing the full "move-in cost" upfront.
• Location matters: Ensure your location is spelled correctly (e.g., Chikanga, Mutare). Roja Scout uses advanced GPS mapping; if your spelling is wrong, our system will try to auto-correct it, but accuracy ensures you appear in Radius searches.
• Highlight Infrastructure: In our market, checking the boxes for Borehole, Solar, or Security dramatically increases your engagement rate.

Upgrading to Premium

If you manage multiple properties or run a real estate agency, consider upgrading to Roja Scout Professional or Elite Agent. Premium plans grant you unlimited active listings, priority placement at the top of search results, and an official badge that sets you apart from private landlords.

Can't find a property that fits your needs? Let the landlords come to you! Roja Scout allows tenants to post "Wanted" adverts.

Standing Out to Landlords

• Set a realistic budget: Research the average rent in your desired area using our "Market Pulse" sidebar widget to ensure your budget makes sense.
• Provide a tenant profile: Landlords love reliable tenants. Mentioning your employment status or whether you are a student helps landlords decide if you are a good fit for their property.
• Privacy options: You can choose to hide your name and exact details if you prefer to keep your housing hunt private until a landlord contacts you.