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DIPLOMATIC GUIDE TO NEIGHBOUR DISPUTES

DIPLOMATIC GUIDE TO NEIGHBOUR DISPUTES

You’re immersed in a dream in which you are about to be handed a cheque for R100 million. As the tips of your fingers are about to connect with the fantasy cheque, the shrill sound of a power tool drills into your subconscious and hurtles you back into reality. It’s your neighbour doing yet another DIY project at 2am, and you cannot bare it a moment longer. But, what is there to be don

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HOW TO OPEN A BUSINESS FROM HOME

HOW TO OPEN A BUSINESS FROM HOME

As more and more employers choose to allow their staff to work remotely, the home business model has grown in popularity, with many new entrepreneurs choosing to start their business from home rather than in a business district. But, what are the legal implications of operating a business in a residential area? Getting in the Zone Zoning laws prohibit most businesses from operating in a reside

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4 WAYS YOUR HOME COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK

4 WAYS YOUR HOME COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK

If you stand any chance of defeating the odds and remaining healthy in face of the onslaught of runny noses and phlegmy coughs that await you beyond your boundary walls this flu season, then you need to be aware of the many hidden germs loitering around your living spaces that pose potential health risks. Below is a list of just four of the ways our own homes could be making us sick… #1

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MILLENNIAL TENANT DICTIONARY

MILLENNIAL TENANT DICTIONARY

If you overheard your tenant explaining to a friend that their landlord was being really extra about this lit party that was thrown for bae’s birthday the other night, would you have any idea of what they were saying? Considering that most South Africans can only afford to purchase property in their late thirties, it is highly probable that most tenants belong to the Millennial generation

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HOMEOWNING BUDGETING BASICS

HOMEOWNING BUDGETING BASICS

The initial costs of owning a home can be a bitter pill to swallow but with careful financial discipline and planning, the dread of the pending debit orders will lessen over time. To make things more manageable, start by organising your finances into a real-time budget by recording your current expenses for the month. After this, you can work out realistic goals of how much you can afford to put a

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SELL IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

SELL IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

Selling your home but have no idea where to start? Below is a step-by-step advice for first-time sellers… Step 1: Pick your price You can’t sell without a price. A realtor can provide an assessment for you that will provide a realistic selling value on your home. Find an agent who knows your area well and can tell you what properties in your area have sold for – not just wha

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6 STEPS TO SAVING FOR A DEPOSIT IN 5 YEARS

6 STEPS TO SAVING FOR A DEPOSIT IN 5 YEARS

According to data recently released by FNB, the average age of a South African home buyer has increased from 38 to 44 this year. That’s largely because, if you take a realistic look at the property market, you will discover that you will need a minimum of R100,000 to use as a deposit and to cover the various other expenses on an entry-level property. Even if you take out a 100% access bond,

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HOW TO PULL OFF A SELF-MOVE

HOW TO PULL OFF A SELF-MOVE

Moving into a new home comes with such a long list of expenses that hiring a professional moving company is one of the first expenses that many buyers tend to try and work around. While using a professional moving company will reduce the risks of damage to your furniture and injury to yourself, smaller moves can be done effectively by yourself if you plan carefully and take all the necessary preca

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5 STEPS TO CREATING A HOME CINEMA

5 STEPS TO CREATING A HOME CINEMA

Before the cold and wet days set in, it’s time to stock up on your microwave popcorn and get around to that home-theatre conversion you’ve been dreaming of since you were five. If you need a little justification for this indulgence, home theatres are actually a great value-add on any property – especially if you are in the luxury housing band. Buyers in this market are usually

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4 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR APARTMENT’S SECURITY GUARD

4 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR APARTMENT’S SECURITY GUARD

The gates are closed and there is a security guard onsite – I should be safe, right? The unfortunate reality is that this is most often untrue. Many buyer’s take for granted that the security or concierge at the front desk is well-trained and familiar with policies and procedures for access control. The fact is, this is often simply not the case. If you want to make sure your apartm

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CAN YOU AFFORD A 100% BOND?

CAN YOU AFFORD A 100% BOND?

I’m sure you have heard the advice before, and if you’ve yet to hear it, you can be guaranteed that the words “The sooner you can get into the property market, the better” will echo through your eardrums before you reach the age of 35. But, is it wise to take out a 100% bond just to enter the property market sooner rather than later? For the year ending 31 March 2018, 42

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HOW TO SAVE FOR YOUR DREAM FURNITURE

HOW TO SAVE FOR YOUR DREAM FURNITURE

Purchasing a property is only the first step in the journey. Finding furniture to match your new home – and your budget – is the next step in creating the home you have always hoped to have. The key to achieving this is to have a plan and the patience to stick to it. Like all good things in life, your ideal furniture is not going to arrive overnight – unless you are willing to

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