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The importance of home inspections

Before you buy, what seems like your dream home, consider getting a home inspection to ensure you know about all the potential problems.

By having a professional inspector examine the property, you will be able to uncover any safety concerns, structural issues, or repairs that may not be immediately visible.

In South Africa, home inspections are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended. A home inspection can be especially important if you are purchasing a property that is older or has had significant renovations. It can also be helpful if you are concerned about potential issues like water damage, termites, or mold.

When choosing a home inspector in South Africa, it’s important to look for someone who is licensed and qualified to perform inspections. You may also want to ask for references from previous clients and check online reviews.

During a home inspection, the inspector will typically examine the following areas:

  • Roof
  • Foundation
  • Plumbing and electrical systems
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors
  • Windows and doors

After the inspection, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report outlining any issues they found, along with recommendations for repairs or further evaluation. This information can be extremely valuable in negotiating the purchase price or deciding whether to proceed with the purchase at all.

Should I get a home inspection done before listing my property for sale?

While getting a home inspection done before you list your property is not mandatory it might still be beneficial. By doing a pre-listing home inspection, you can identify any issues with your property that may come up during a buyer’s inspection.

This gives you the opportunity to make repairs or address issues before putting your home on the market, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.

A pre-listing inspection can also be helpful in setting a realistic asking price for your property. If there are issues that need to be addressed, such as a leaky roof or outdated electrical system, it may affect the value of your home. By knowing about these issues ahead of time, you can adjust your asking price accordingly and avoid any surprises during negotiations.

Another benefit of a pre-listing inspection is that it can give potential buyers peace of mind. When you have a recent inspection report available, you can show buyers that you have nothing to hide and that you’re committed to being transparent about the condition of your property.

Who can perform home inspections?

Home inspections in South Africa are typically performed by qualified and licensed professionals known as Home Inspectors.

Home inspectors require intensive training in order to responsibly do their work. They are required to have a working knowledge of every component in a South African home.  To meet this need the curriculum for a new building (home) inspector qualification has been developed by the municipalities, private home inspectors, the banks, the NHBRC and others.

The National Association of Building Inspectors or South Africa (www.nabisa.org.za) represents the interests of all qualified building and home inspectors in South Africa and enforces a Code of Conduct on its members.

When choosing a home inspector in South Africa, it’s important to look for someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and has a good reputation. You may also want to ask for references from previous clients and check online reviews.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/the-importance-of-home-inspections-24-04-23

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Home maintenance that you shouldn’t ignore

There are a multitude of advantages to owning your own home, but the one glaring disadvantage is that you can’t simply call the landlord when something needs fixing and, although cosmetic repairs can be postponed, there are some repairs which should never be ignored.

“Every home is likely to have at least one thing that needs fixing,” says Claude McKirby, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in the Southern Suburbs and False Bay, “and whilst issues like chipped kitchen countertops are merely unattractive, other problems could become extremely costly – or even dangerous – down the line.

He adds that even if you aren’t planning to sell in the near future, if you let maintenance slide, when you do eventually decide to put your home on the market, you could be in for a rude shock at the cost of making all the necessary repairs.

McKirby says that whilst many issues can be ignored for several months – or even years – the following problems should be addressed as soon as they arise:

Slow drips or leaks

A slow drip can quickly turn into an expensive leak so always call in a professional immediately if you spot any signs of moisture damage on your ceilings or walls or notice any mould growth. The same applies to taps that constantly drip because, although a leaky faucet is unlikely to cause structural damage, it can quickly drive up your utility bill.

Roof repairs

The roof of your home is always going to be under a lot of stress as it’s constantly exposed to the elements and this can lead to all kinds of problems, from simple leaks to damage caused by falling branches and trees. And damage to a roof will always get worse and often very quickly, so never ignore any signs of damage.

Clogged gutters

Homes with gutters are prone to clogging due to the growth of algae and the accumulation of leaves and other debris and most issues are avoided with regular cleaning to assure a free water flow.

However, it’s a task that is easily forgotten about and often avoided, especially in winter and can quickly lead to much bigger problems such as roof leaks. Also, consider adding gutter guards to keep out leaves and debris and attend to out-of-place shingles and cracks on time.

Electrical faults

This is one of the most dangerous problems you can have because not only can it cause damage to your property it can also put your family at risk so it’s definitely not something that you should ignore until it becomes a serious problem.

Damp spots

This is usually an indication that you have a leaking pipe in your ceiling or in your walls and therefore a potentially serious plumbing issue. If the spot gets worse after rain, then you probably have a leaking roof. Either way, don’t delay these repairs as these issues will only get worse over time.

Structural issues

The foundation of a critical part of the entire structure, and also one of the most expensive to repair.

And, whilst a few minor cracks may only be a sign of settling in the home, never ignore larger cracks as they could be a sign of serious structural problems with the foundation and they need to be check out thoroughly.

The easiest way to check the foundation is from the basement, but if this isn’t possible, looking at the door frames throughout the home can give you an idea if a house is experiencing structural problems. If they don’t appear to be square or doors seem to have difficulty closing, you need to consider commissioning a structural survey.

“Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule will help ensure you can handle many of the necessary repairs yourself without having to call in expensive experts,” advises McKirby.

“The best way to do so is to create a home maintenance checklist that includes regular home maintenance tasks to be done on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

“In doing so, you will not only extend the life of almost everything in your home, you will also potentially save a lot of money over time. And some tasks can be broken up and done over time which will be easier and cheaper, both in the short and long-term.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/lifestyle-and-architecture/home-maintenance-that-you-shouldn-t-ignore-11-04-23

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9 First-time buyer mistakes and how to avoid them

It doesn’t matter what the market conditions are like when you start your home buying journey. Favourable market conditions don’t mitigate the potential pitfalls and, unfortunately, buyer’s remorse is not uncommon amongst first-time buyers, usually as a result of neglecting to do their homework and ensure they are thoroughly prepared.

It really is a case of ‘forewarned is forearmed’ because if you have a clear understanding of the process and what is required and have devised a clear plan of action, you can easily circumvent costly mistakes and shop for your dream home with confidence.

Now more than ever, it’s essential to have experienced property professionals to guide you, especially if you are a first-time buyer.

It is critical for first-time buyers to be aware of what boxes need to be ticked to make a wise investment choice and evade the pitfalls – here are some of the common mistakes that can be avoided by doing proper research and planning.

Not having a clear idea of what you want

You might have an idea of the type of home you would like to live in, but there are many other factors you also need to take into account that will have an impact on your daily life – there is no use in loving the home but hating the neighbourhood as eventually you will start to hate your home.

Would you prefer to live in a peaceful, suburban area or a vibrant environment with nightlife? Do you need to be close to work or schools or would you prefer to be in close proximity to a social entertainment hub? Do you have time to take care of a garden or would a lower maintenance option suit your lifestyle better?

Not being sure of what you can afford

Most first-time buyers will be required to pay a deposit and apply for a bond for the balance, and unless you have an idea of how much banks are willing to lend you, you are literally shooting in the dark.

The best way to do this is by obtaining pre-qualification which not only affords you the peace of mind that your credit record is in good standing, it also arms you with the knowledge of how much you can afford to spend and the type of bond you can expect from a bank.

Buying more house than you can afford

It’s easy to be tempted to buy a home that might stretch your budget, but overextending yourself is never a good idea as you risk losing your home if the unexpected happens and you fall on tough financial times. You’ll also have less wiggle room in your monthly budget for other bills and expenses.

Moving too fast

Buying a home can be complex and rushing the process can cost you later on as you may not be able to save enough for a deposit and the associated costs, address items on your credit rating or make informed decisions.

Take the time to map out your home-buying timeline well in advance – at least a year, if possible, bearing in mind how long you will need to save money, repair poor credit, and so on before you can apply for pre-approval.

Not making an effort to clear debt before applying for a home loan

The two most critical requirements are a good credit record with a track record of repaying contractual debt responsibly and being able to afford the monthly bond instalment.

One of the key factors that banks take into consideration when determining affordability is an applicant’s income-to-debt ratio, so it’s advisable to start reducing debt as soon as they even start to think about buying a home.

Not shopping around for the best rate

Many people think that just because they have banked with one institution for a number of years, they will automatically get a better interest rate than from any other institution.

However, this is not the case and buyers should bear in mind that shopping for a mortgage is like shopping for a car – it pays to compare offers.

One of the best ways to do so is to utilise the services of a bond originator like ooba to source the best financing option. They don’t charge for the service and their access to multiple lenders, enables them to negotiate on your behalf and to obtain the best deal, thereby saving the homebuyer thousands of Rands in interest over the term of the bond.

Allowing their emotions to influence decisions

Buying a house is a major life milestone; you are choosing the place where you’ll put down roots, make memories and create a space that’s truly yours, so it’s easy to get too caught up and make emotional decisions.

It’s important to remember that you’re also making one of the largest investments of your life, and a bad decision could have repercussions for years to come.

Paying a deposit that’s too small

You don’t always have to make a 20% down payment to buy a home but paying too small a deposit is one of the most common regrets amongst first-time buyers who misjudged the importance of smaller monthly bond repayments down the line.

Emptying your savings and underestimating the running costs of a home

Unless you are buying a brand new home off-plan, you will most likely have to do unexpected repairs not too long after you have bought your house and you could quickly find yourself in a financial hole if you have drained all your savings to buy the property.

You may also use more electricity than in your previous home and will have other monthly bills like rates and home insurance.

Being prepared will not only minimise the stress of the process, it will allow you to save money from the get-go and will minimise the possibility of ending up with a mountain of unforeseen debt.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/9-first-time-buyer-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-09-02-23

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Blog

3 steps to avoid buyer’s remorse

The excitement of becoming a home owner and the immense task of moving into your new home and settling in can sometimes overshadow home buyer’s remorse – which does happen and is not spoken about enough in real estate.

When the property market is moving fast, buyers rush to make decisions, and sometimes these rush decisions could lead to buyers, especially first-time buyers, feeling remorse over buying their new home – which can be avoided if you stick to three basic rules.

Here,  we share our best tips to help you avoid buyer’s remorse on what is likely to be the biggest purchase of your life.

Budget and then go lower

Shopping too close to what you can afford might not leave enough room to actually live comfortably within your means. If you can afford to buy a home in the R1,5 million bracket consider shopping around in brackets a R100 000 less as well – you will have more money at the end of each month if you use the extra money to put into your deposit as it will result in a smaller bond repayment.

If you are not stressing about bond repayments, you will have more time to enjoy your new home.

Get everything inspected

It might seem like another expense on top of an already costly process, but getting your dream home inspected by a professional home inspector will ensure that you don’t buy something that is going to be a money-pit.

Having a licensed inspector investigate the property will uncover any problems with the foundation, pipes, electrical work, roof, or other high-priced items. If you opt out of an inspection, you run the risk of entering a home full of repairs — leading to a bout of buyer’s remorse.

Lists, lists, lists

While the old adage might be location, location, location, we believe in lists, lists, lists when it comes to avoiding buyer’s remorse. When you’re buying a home, make sure you’ve got a list of your “must-haves” and “would be nice to have” features.

For instance, if you work from home, space for a home office might fall into the must-have category. Having an open plan kitchen or a fireplace – those are more of the nice-to-have type of features. You also need to keep your lifestyle needs and personal goals in mind when choosing your home – the happier you are in the neighbourhood, the more time you will want to spend exploring it and spending time at your home.

We know that finally calling yourself a home owner is such an incredible feeling, but making decisions too quickly or based on other people’s opinions will only lead to hating the space you are in. And who wants that? So if you are feeling hesitant, hold off and make your decision with a clear mind.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/3-steps-to-avoid-buyer-s-remorse-25-01-23

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The Reality of Selling a Home – Common Misconceptions

For many first-time home sellers, selling their homes can be a complicated process – made worse by all the well-intentioned advice from family and friends.

With all the information available it may be difficult to determine which information to take note of and which to ignore. As a result, several misconceptions regarding the home-selling process have become commonplace in today’s property market.

We take a look at a few truths and facts to expose the misconceptions and steer sellers in the right direction:

Misconception: You should wait for the right season to sell your home

Truth: While there is generally more buyer foot traffic during the warmer months, if the home is situated in a sought-after area, it will attract potential buyers during all seasons of the year. It is more important to understand the phases of the property market than to consider the season in which the home goes onto the market. Sell the home when you are ready.

Misconception: Online estimates for pricing a home are accurate

Truth: Although it is possible to get a rough estimate of a property’s value through an online portal, these estimates take only a few factors into consideration. Often other aspects can be overlooked, such as the potential growth of an area or the demand for property there. The best way to ensure an accurate evaluation of the property is to employ the services of a property practitioner who has a working knowledge of the area in which the home is situated. The real estate professional will be able to put the online estimate into perspective and determine the most competitive listing price for the home.

Misconception: Listing the home at a higher price will leave room for negotiating

Truth: In reality, all that a higher asking price will do is scare off prospective buyers. An elevated price could delay the sale of the home, leaving the property on the market for longer than it should be. A property that has been on the market for some time and has seen multiple price reductions will give buyers the wrong impression. They are likely to think that the home is not selling because it has some major defects. A correctly priced home will be attractive to buyers and will sell for the best possible price, within the best possible time frame.

Misconception: The interior is more important than the exterior

Truth: The first impression of a home is based on the exterior, so curb appeal is critical. If the buyer is already turned off by the exterior look of a home, they are unlikely to even make it to the front door. A good impression starts with a well-maintained exterior.

Misconception: You don’t need a real estate agent

Truth: There are certain things that are best left to the professionals. A home is the largest asset that most people will ever own, so why take the risk of going it alone when it comes to buying or selling a property? A property sales transaction is a complicated process and there is a lot at risk, such as the money you risk losing by listing at the wrong price, ineffective negotiations, the pitfalls of incomplete or inaccurate paperwork, and legal issues involved in a home sale.

Having the facts about selling will help you get the most out of your sale, and if you are ever in doubt a knowledgeable property practitioner can help guide you in the right direction.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/the-reality-of-selling-a-home-common-misconceptions-09-01-23

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Blog

The ins and outs of solar power

Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, says that going solar can lower the cost of running your home and also has the potential to increase the resale value of the property. “In South Africa, green features are becoming increasingly popular among buyers, especially as a result of the ongoing load shedding and the prevalence of droughts in our country,” he explains.

Noticing the importance of alternative energy solutions, Ian Ross, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX One, has recently partnered with Union Power Energy, a solar power company with an installation footprint in all major centres across South Africa.

“Lowering our individual carbon footprint is a must. In a sun-rich country such as South Africa, I strongly believe solar is the economic and environmentally responsible answer to powering our homes, which is why we have established a joint venture partnership with Union Power Energy which has been operating in the solar industry for the past 9 years.”

As a result of this partnership, Ross has gained some key insights into the solar power industry. He explains that while solar power can be costly, it is likely to become a necessity in most households. “Systems can range from R50,000 to R500,000 depending on the home and how far the homeowner wants to go to be independent of the grid. The capital outlay is heavy, so if the consumer could pay this off over a period using the savings they make from not utilizing the national grid, it would make perfect sense in every way.”

Thankfully, this option exists in the form of home finance. “The criteria may differ slightly from bank to bank, but all major banks welcome financing of residential, commercial, and industrial solar power systems. Access bonds on homes are by far the cheapest and quickest way to go other than upfront cash outlay,” he recommends.

Most homes are suitable for hybrid solar systems, but every house, apartment, building, factory, or site comes with various challenges. Ross says that older houses are more challenging as wiring and existing infrastructure is old or outdated. For these kinds of homes, as well as for commercial and industrial properties, a more detailed assessment should be carried out prior to a quotation. This can be arranged over a video call or a personal visit from one of the preferred installers in the area.

But, for residential homes, Ross explains that the assessment can usually be completed via a detailed questionnaire. “When conducting the assessment, solar power installation companies will ask a number of key questions in relation to the home. These include enquiring about the roof type to decide on the panel mounting structure. Tile roof, IBR, corrugated, clip-lock, or flat concrete slab are all suitable options. They’ll also ask where the main DB is situated in the home for installation purposes and cable runs.”

He adds that most systems are IP65 rated so they can withstand the elements to a certain extent but should be positioned away from water points. “Some systems can be placed outside in a suitable area if it is covered and free from direct rain. Coastal areas pose a challenge due to excessive moisture, rust, and wind. In these cases, the correct mounting structure must be insisted upon – stainless steel or aluminium.”

Those living in apartments might face greater challenges owing to roof space access. “There are smaller backup systems available that can be suitable for apartments, but there are many other product offerings available for those who want to go off-grid, such as gas cooking, gas geysers, and solar geysers. Borehole water with a filtration system can also be added to reduce a household’s reliability on the council water supply,” he recommends.

Ultimately, however one goes about it, reducing reliance on the national grid can benefit both the homeowner and the environment and might even add some value to the home. “Those hoping to upgrade the home to sell should speak to their local real estate professionals for advice on the best sustainable home improvements in their neighbourhood,” Goslett concludes.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/the-ins-and-outs-of-solar-power-08-12-22

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Blog

9 Very useful tips for first-time home owners

After months of house hunting, a multitude of legalities, and reams of paperwork, you’re finally ready to realise your dream and move into your very own home but, as it’s also one of the largest financial investments you’ll ever make, it’s important to start off on the right footing.

This is according to Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg, who says that whilst buying a home is a smart investment and offers a lot of benefits for you and your family, owning a home also comes with a few disadvantages and many responsibilities.

“You now have additional monthly expenses like building insurance and municipal rates and, unfortunately, you can no longer just pick up the phone to call the landlord when something goes wrong – you ARE the landlord.

“It can easily become overwhelming not to mention costly, especially if you’ve bought an older home that requires updating but, if you are prepared from the get-go, you will experience all of the joy with few of the potential headaches.”

Odendaal offers the following new homeowner tips to make your transition to property owner a little smoother:

Create a Homeowner’s File

Before you move into your new home, create a binder or allocate a drawer in your filing cabinet for important documents relating to your home, including your mortgage and home insurance paperwork.

Once you’ve moved in add all your appliance user manuals and warranties and keep all receipts relating to home improvements as you will need these for tax purposes when the time comes to sell.

After your move in, use the same binder to store all of the guides and warranties for your new appliances. Store receipts for any home improvement and moving expenses here as well. You’ll want to hang on to these for your taxes. You can also start collecting contact information for reliable contractors in this binder.

Start an Emergency House Fund

You never know when something is going to go wrong, or how much it is going to cost and, as repairs are now your responsibility, this can real put a strain on your finances if you aren’t prepared.

And, the longer you live in your home, the more likely you are to experience surprise issues like plumbing faults and electrical failures or even big-ticket repairs like new roofing, plumbing, heating or roofing issue so start an emergency savings account as soon as possible and try to contribute to it religiously.

Make Friends with Your Neighbours

This is a good idea for a number of reasons. Building a relationship with your neighbours will help to resolve disputes more easily should they ever arise, enable you to get good recommendations for any services you may need and it’s also better for security as neighbours who know each other, look out for each other.

Put Together a Basic Toolbox

The last thing you want to become is that new neighbour who always borrowing something and you don’t want to have to call out a contractor every time anything small goes wrong.

Purchasing your first home has likely left you stretched thin money-wise, so you don’t need to go overboard but it’s a good idea to buy the essential tools you’re most likely to need.

These include a hammer, flat-head screwdrivers, Phillips-head screwdrivers, a hammer, a wrench, a torch, and a power drill.

If Possible, Get Small Projects Finished Before You Move In

It is a good idea to complete certain small projects such as painting rooms or removing old wall-to-wall carpeting before moving into your new home. Your home is then liveable and you have time to plan bigger projects properly.

Wait To Start Any Large Projects

Home improvement projects are expensive and, to avoid completing unnecessary projects, it’s always best to live in your new home for several months before making any final decisions.

This will allow you to get a feel for your home, how the existing layout works and what really needs to be changed. It will also give you time to save for any upcoming projects.

Focus On Upgrades That Will Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck

Unless you have a generous budget, it’s best to focus on improvements that will give you the most return on your investment. Take the time to do a little research – find out what the most popular features are in your area and how much the work will cost.

As a general rule of thumb, projects that typically yield a good return include kitchen and bathroom upgrades, repainting in neutral tones, and an attractive outdoor living area or deck,

Complete One Project at a Time

It may be tempting to finish all your improvements as soon as possible, but don’t work on multiple home projects at once. Not only will you exhaust your finances, but you will also make your new home unliveable and add unnecessary stress to your everyday life.

Pay Attention to Your Energy Usage

This is especially important if you’ve bought a bigger home than you lived in before. Pay attention to how your home is using energy and learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. You’ll be surprised how small changes can affect your electric bill and ease your monthly expenses.

Homeowner tips and tricks for reducing your energy costs:

  • Lower your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees.
  • Switch out lightbulbs for energy-efficient LED lightbulbs.
  • Move your refrigerator away from your oven.

“Buying your first home and getting your foot on the property ladder is an exciting time and, if you are properly prepared, it will be the best investment you’ll ever make,” concludes Odendaal.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/9-very-useful-tips-for-first-time-home-owners-23-11-22

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What happens if your landlord sells the property?

It is not uncommon for a rental property owner or landlord to decide to put the property up for sale. The question then arises as to what happens to the tenant. While it is usually advisable that landlords or property owners wait until the end of the lease before they sell the property, that is not always possible.

According to rental agents from the Seeff Property Group, tenants should be aware of their rights in such a case. There are certain legal rights, but the rental agreement should also make provision for this as a safeguard.

The first aspect is that the property owner is always free to sell at any time, but the lease agreement will remain valid and in full force until its expiry date. The property owner cannot cancel the lease because of the sale. Only a breach on the part of the tenant can result in legal action and cancellation.

The tenant’s right is guided by the legal principle of ‘huur gaat voor koop’. This is a Roman-Dutch legal principle which translates to the ‘lease trumps a later sale’. The tenant is therefore entitled to remain in the property until the lease expires.

The tenant could, however, in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, cancel the lease giving 21 days’ written notice and follow the cancellation procedure which will include payment of a cancellation penalty as prescribed in the rental agreement, or as may be reasonable.

The lease agreement may in any event include a provision to allow the tenant the opportunity to cancel the lease on certain conditions, usually the payment of a reasonable penalty. If there is no such agreement or cancellation, then the lease simply transfers to the new owner and continues.

Once the property owner decides to put the property up for sale a number of activities will likely need to take place. The owner should discuss the sale with the tenant before the time. There should also be a clause in the rental agreement which sets out what happens when the property goes up for sale.

This should include access to the property for viewings and possibly also for photography and an inspection by the listing agent. The lease agreement will usually state that the tenant should be amenable and provide reasonable access, but this should be arranged for a convenient time and with minimal disruption to the tenant.

There may also be a need to put agency boards such as ‘for sale’ and ‘sold’ signboards up at the premises, as well as those which would be displayed during viewings.

Show days will require the tenant to be out of the property and these should preferably also be provided for in the lease agreement. The property owner or landlord should ensure they make appropriate arrangements with the tenant.

If no new lease agreement is entered into with the new owner, the tenant will simply vacate the property. Prior to moving out, an outgoing inspection should be done to verify the condition of the property. The rental deposit must be refunded to the tenant, net of any deduction for damages agreed to.

 

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/legal/what-happens-if-your-landlord-sells-the-property-14-11-22

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FLAT FEE HOMES EXPANDS AGAIN!

FLAT FEE HOMES NOW ON THE WESTERN SEABOARD!

Flat Fee Homes is a real estate agency with it’s Head Office in Somerset West, where it launched is revolutionary full service, flat fee real estate model in 2018.

In January 2019, Flat Fee Homes opened a real estate branch based in Durbanville. Our Northern Suburbs estate agents service the Kuilsrivier, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein, Durbanville, Welgemoed, Plattekloof, Panorama, Bellville, Parow, Bothasig and Monte Vista areas.

Now, with effect from January 2020, Flat Fee Homes introduces it’s money-saving real estate model to the Western Seaboard of the Western Cape. Flat Fee Homes is the only real estate agency which offers a complete real estate service for a flat fee of only R 50,000 ex VAT.

For your convenience, we display the new service areas below.

To gain access to our superior service and benefit from our R 50,000 ex VAT flat fee, BOOK YOUR FREE, NO OBLIGATION VALUATION.

OUR SERVICE PROMISE TO YOU

  • state-of-the-art photography and videography of your property and home
  • your property is professionally listed on our website and on Property24
  • importantly, our estate agents will facilitate all viewings of your property on your behalf
  • we present all offers to purchase your property in person and we assist you with any negotiations which may follow
  • our experienced and respected conveyancing partners handle the conveyancing process for you. They will provide you with a highly transparent and interactive experience throughout the conveyancing process.

 

Sell my House? Estate agents in Parklands

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Sell my Property? Property agents in Blouberg

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Sell my Home? Estate agents in Table View

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Sell my House? Estate agents in Melkbos

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Selling my House? Property agents in Milnerton

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If you wish to put your property in the market in 2020, please contact us on 021 204 1251 or just click here to Book a No Obligation, Free Valuation.

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Blog Education

SELLING YOUR HOME – No.12: THE SUMMARY PROCESS

Today we publish the last of our blogs in our 12-week blog series, THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR HOME.

SELLING YOUR HOME – A SUMMARY

Selling your Home

SELLING YOURSELF VS USING A PROFESSIONAL AGENT

 AN ACCURATE VALUATION & THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT A MANDATE

HOME STAGING WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

  • Prepare for the sale
  • Do Home staging – it boosts the appeal and selling power of your Home
  • Start from your pavement and work your way in
  • Remove clutter
  • Don’t over-upgrade, but do make sure you repair everything that’s broken
  • Paint your interior if it needs it
  • Clean properly and thoroughly
  • Get rid of all odours
  • Let the light in!
  • The kitchen comes first, so make it appealing

HOME MARKETING

  • Don’t skimp on listing photo’s, insist on professional photography
  • Consider a video tour
  • Review your listing online
  • Make sure you are marketing through all channels, especially online
  • Put up a sign on the perimeter or the pavement

HOME SHOWING

  • Accommodate viewings by prospective buyers
  • Be flexible with Home showings
  • Consider holding an open house
  • Take your pets somewhere for showings
  • Don’t hide major problems

SALE NEGOTIATIONS & CONVEYANCING

  • Don’t expect to be offered your asking price
  • Don’t sell to unqualified buyers
  • Respond promptly to a purchase offer
  • Ensure that you are kept fully informed throughout the conveyancing process