20 Tips to sell your home

Your lawn must be mowed and any dog "poop" picked up.

Your pool must be clean and blue.

Take care of general maintenance (gutters, garage doors, cracks etc)

It's amazing what a coat of paint can do.

Pack away the kids toys laying around.

Make sure all services are clear.

Neva leave dirty dishes in the sink.

Make sure beds are made.

Lock away jumping or barking dogs.

Keep cupboard doors closed.

Spray air freshener in every room.

Open curtains and put lights on in dark areas.

Put aircon or fan on if it's hot.

Pack away any valuables.

Fresh flowers in the house and garden always look good.

Your kitchen and bathroom must be the cleanest rooms in the house.

A clean, neat home always sells for a higher price.

If possible leave keys with the agent or neighbour so that no opportunity is lost showing your home.

Never do any negotiating directly with the client. Also remember that clients feel awkward when the owners are watching them looking over the house.

The most important tip - Never ever allow anyone through your home without an agent unless arranged by the agent you know. Ask for a business card - anybody can say they are an estate agent.

What happens once I have sold?

After the offer has been accepted:

I obtain the deposit from the purchaser where applicable

All necessary copies of ID documents, marriage certificates, Anti Nuptial Contract, divorce documents etc. are procured from the buyer and handed to the transferring attorney and financial institution.

The bond application - if applicable - is completed by our home loan consultant and forwarded to the financial institution.

Copies of the agreement are sent to the seller, purchaser and transferring attorney.

I arrange, through the home loans consultant, for a financial institution valuation of the property.

I will arrange entomological and electrical inspections if required.

I advice the seller, buyer and transferring attorney of bond approval.

I follow up on all other suspensive conditions where applicable

I keep in touch with the attorneys until the documents are lodged at the deeds office.

I follow up with the transferring attorney until the date of registration and receipt of purchase price.

Cost of buying a home

Costs to make provision for are:

Transfer Fees: These are fees charged by the conveyancing attorneys and includes 14% VAT (Value Added Tax)

Bond Registration Fee: A charge by the bond attorney as nominated by the Bank and attracts 14% VAT.

Transfer Duty: A once off property tax payable to the Receiver of Revenue.

Valuation Fee: All financial institutions charge a valuation fee which attracts 14% VAT.

Share of Rates: The buyer is liable for rates from the date of transfer or occupation/possession depending on the sales agreement.

Stamp Duty: A charge by the Receiver of Revenue for stamps used on the bond deeds.

Posts and Petties: Charges made by the conveyancing and bond attorneys which also attracts 14% VAT.

Insurance: Comprehensive Insurance covers all permanent improvements on the stand and the bond value is insured on your life. Sufficient property coverage is your duty.

Interim Interest: Interest due from the date of registration to the end of the month before the first payment on the bond. Normally capitalised and redeemed over 20 years.

Electricity/Water Deposits: These items can be costly especially if the cost of telephone installation is also included. Rates paid monthly can be added to the water/lights bill on request.

Contact Details

Interested in buying or selling or need a free evaluation on your home?

Please contact your
Real Estate Specialist:

Debbie

079 195 5152 (RSA)
27 79 195 5152 (From outside South Africa)
or e-mail me

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