When buyers first see a TZS 20,000 booking fee on DDM Verify, the honest reaction is often: "Why am I paying before I have even seen the house?"
Fair question. Here is exactly what that fee does — and why we structured payouts the way we did.
What you get for TZS 20,000
The booking fee is not added to the property price and it is not a hidden agent commission. It covers platform costs for:
- Unlocking the exact location — map pin, directions, and contact flow only after you commit to a viewing
- Scheduling with the listing agent through DDM Verify (not scattered WhatsApp threads)
- A six-digit viewing code the agent enters when you arrive, creating a record that the viewing took place
Without a small fee, agents leak locations on day one and serious buyers compete with tyre-kickers. The fee filters intent.
How the money is split
When a booking is completed and settled:
- 80% is paid to the agent who conducted the viewing
- 20% supports DDM Verify — listing review, support, payment processing, and fraud monitoring
Agents earn from showing up and doing the job, not from selling your phone number to ten other people.
Verification is a separate product
If you want a full independent verification report (documents, registry alignment, site review where applicable), that is priced separately — currently from TZS 130,000 for standard residential listings on the platform.
You only pay verification when you want it. Many buyers book two or three viewings first, then commission a report on one property.
Tips for a smooth viewing
- Save your viewing code before you travel — mobile signal at some sites is weak.
- Ask the agent to show original title documents, not only phone photos.
- Note plot numbers, neighbours, and road access while you are there.
- If something feels off, you are not obliged to proceed — the booking fee bought you information and time, not a commitment to buy.
Questions about a specific booking? Reach our team through ddmverify.com/contact.
