Why I Moved From ATL To Ghana To Transform My Family Home Into An Airbnb

Description

Owning Property in Ghana: Inside a Diaspora-Focused Airbnb | Live Interview Check it out here: http://magnate.authenticafrican.com/landing You've seen the flights, the events, the hype. But what does it actually take to own and operate property in Accra as a diaspora-connected entrepreneur? In this exclusive live interview, @AuthenticAfrican CEO @JoeHotagua sits down with Joseph Kitzmills – founder & CEO of Magnate Realty and creator of The Cottage – a refurbished family home turned into a boutique short‑stay property in Accra. Joseph grew up in that house, left for the U.S. (Atlanta & Rhode Island), earned a finance degree, then moved back to Ghana to build. He shares the real story: why he chose real estate, how he navigated construction delays, the difference between U.S. and Ghana building materials, and what diaspora guests actually need when they visit. If you've ever thought about buying, building, or running an Airbnb in Ghana – or just want a comfortable, fairly priced place to stay – this conversation is for you. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro: Joe Hotagua welcomes Joseph Kitzmills 01:00 – Joseph's background: Born in Ghana, raised in Atlanta, college in Rhode Island 02:00 – Why he moved back to Ghana and got into real estate 03:00 – The Cottage story: From childhood home to refurbished property 04:30 – Property breakdown: 3 studios + 1 three-bedroom (50–300 sq meters) 05:30 – The diaspora guest problem: Overpriced hotels vs. affordable stays 07:00 – Construction realities: Turnkey solutions, chasing contractors, timeline delays (Oct '24 → Feb '25) 09:00 – Building materials: Cement & brick vs. drywall – why Ghana homes last 50+ years 10:30 – What guests get: Fiber internet, backup generator, property manager, chef on request 12:00 – Where to find The Cottage: Google Maps, Instagram, Magnate Realty 13:00 – Closing & call to action 📌 WHAT WE COVER: • 1️⃣ From U.S. to Ghana – Why Joseph moved back after college • 2️⃣ The Cottage – A full refurbishment of his family home (3 studios + 1 three‑bed) • 3