Frequently Asked Questions :

Buying a new house
How long will it take to sell my property?
Is it better to use 1 agent or many agents when selling your property?
Do Show Houses really work?
Should I have a newly constructed home inspected by an independent, professional inspection company?
How can I avoid the mistake of marketing my property above its true market value?
How best can I build equity into my property investment?
I want R1.2m in my pocket; I don’t want “For Sale” boards outside my property; I don’t want you to have a Show House and you can add R20,000.00 commission for yourself on top of my asking price, OK?

Buying a new house :

Your new house has to meet the needs of your lifestyle. When you visit a new property, keep your requirements in mind. Assess the neighbour¬hood as well as the house's internal and external state of repair. Look at other structural and physical criteria and don't feel shy about questioning why the current owners are moving!

Download our printable Home Buyers Checklist for the questions and items you need to ask yourself, seller and estate agent when buying a new home.

How long will it take to sell my property?

The average time it takes to sell a well-priced, well-marketed house, is approximately 45 days.

Is it better to use 1 agent or many agents when selling your property?

Our experience has shown us that it is better to offer it to one competent and trustworthy agent or agency for, among others, the following reasons:

• You will get a commitment and level of service and attention from the one agent which should astound you. As he/she is most likely to reap the rewards he/she will put a lot of time, energy and resources into marketing the property. In STATS Properties experience, we have sold each and every sole mandate that we have received.
• The seller will never land up having to pay two commissions as may well happen when two or more agents are involved in marketing the property. It often happens that the husband and wife search for properties independently. A sale can therefore go begging, or the seller can be faced with lawsuits, if neither introducing agent is willing to back down.
• With more than one agent marketing the property the agents begin to compete against each other instead of the buyers competing against each other when they know they have to work through the one agent. The house on which there is a sole mandate therefore becomes more exclusive and the seller has a greater possibility of achieving a better price for his property.
• Viewing of the property will be far better controlled as well as eliminating the possibility of theft from or damage to the premises.
• It ensures accountability and responsibility from the agent thus reducing stress for the seller.
• An understanding should be quickly struck up between the seller and the agent thus reducing the irritation of being hounded by, and working with, a myriad of agents.

Do Show Houses really work?

Absolutely! If marketed and manned correctly. Many buyers are very specific about the area in which they wish to purchase, but not always sure about the type of house they would like. Often the external impression of a property is misleading and the prospective buyers are amazed and impressed on entering the Show House, leading to an offer to Purchase being signed on Show Day.

Another advantage is that an agent can begin marketing the Show House some distance away from the actual site through means of “On Show” boards, whereas “For Sale” boards can only be positioned in front of the property.

Buyers are also more relaxed as they are aware that the Show House lasts for a few hours and can therefore really take time to take in the qualities and opportunities of the property.

Should I have a newly constructed home inspected by an independent, professional inspection company?

Even an experienced builder can make unintentional mistakes that can impact on the structural and systems integrity of a new home. Anyone buying a newly constructed home should have it inspected by an independent, professional inspection company no matter who builds the home and irrespective of the warranty extended by the builder or NHBRC.

Download the full article on Essential Building Inspection

How can I avoid the mistake of marketing my property above its true market value?

The counsel of a good agent can help tremendously!

To avoid this sad tale, it is the duty of a good estate agent to explain to you the pitfalls of overpricing and help you to assess the correct market value. Thinking like a buyer will increase your chances of selling quickly and of actually maximizing your profit.

For more information download an article entitled "The Sad Tale of an Overpriced Turkey"

How best can I build equity into my property investment?

Having invested a considerable sum into the purchase of a home, many don't maximise its investment potential. Read this article to find out how a second dwelling or other addition can add considerable value to your property when it comes time to sell : Second Dwellings and other Additions

I want R1.2m in my pocket; I don’t want “For Sale” boards outside my property; I don’t want you to have a Show House and you can add R20,000.00 commission for yourself on top of my asking price, OK?

NOT OK!
When last did you tell your doctor how much he should charge you, how much profit he can make, and what method he should use in order to diagnose your ailment?

Never, I bet.

So why do it with your Estate Agent? If you know better then maybe you should join our industry.

That is why you need to find a competent and trustworthy agent/agency to handle the sale of what should be your single biggest capital investment.