Most Recent Living Articles
HOW TO BUILD A GOOD CREDIT HISTORY
Those who aspire to buy a property will require a favourable credit record to improve their chances of bond approval. Just as important as a positive credit score, is an established credit history that shows that you can favourably conduct your credit responsibilities. Your credit record will have a bearing on whether your bond is approved, as well as the interest rate at which the bank will finan
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TIPS TO HAVE YOUR BOND AND TRAVEL TOO
If you’re an aspiring homeowner with wanderlust, you may fear to commit to a bond because you plan to see what the rest of the world has to offer. However, having a home loan doesn’t necessarily mean that you must live in the home year-round. Below are several options that are available if you’d like to have your bond and travel too... Make Extra Moola Short-term lett
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FUN IDEAS FOR AT-HOME DATE NIGHT ON A BUDGET
While sticking to your household routines may be convenient and simple, it might be slowly killing the spark between you and your partner. But, with the cost of living being as high as it is, it can be difficult to find new experiences to share that will fit your budget. Luckily, just because your budget doesn’t allow for leaving the house, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t s
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FOREIGN INVESTORS GUIDE TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN PROPERTY MARKET
Real estate investment for foreigners is relatively uncomplicated in South Africa. Provided you are in the country legally, there are no restrictions for buying and selling property as a non-resident. If non-residents are planning on staying in the country for longer periods of time, they will need to apply for a residence permit and comply with the requirements as set out in the SA Immigration Ac
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WHAT IS A USUFRUCT AND HOW CAN IT HELP?
The definition of a usufruct is a legal right given by an owner to someone who is not the owner, to use the owner’s property for a certain period, usually for the remainder of that person’s life. The person who holds the usufruct, also known as the usufructuary, has the right to make use of the property and enjoy its profits and benefits provided the property is not damaged or alt
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ADVICE FOR SHARING A MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOME
Multi-generational house-sharing is the norm within most South African households. It is said that approximately one in two 18-34-year-olds live at home with parents. Most seniors also do not have enough saved in their pension to afford living on their own. As cost-effective as it may be, sharing a space with various generations can disrupt the feng shui in your home. But, house-sharing isn&rsq
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CONSIDER YOUR NEIGHBOURS WHEN RENOVATING YOUR HOME
We all want to live in peace, which is why it’s in your best interests as a homeowner to acknowledge your neighbours and contribute towards a happy and peaceful suburb that encourages current and potential homeowners to set roots in the area. While purchasing a property gives you the rights to do what you like to the place (within the limits of HOA or Body Corporate and municipal regulati
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HOW ESTATE AGENTS MAKE BUYING EASIER
Considering how easy technology has made it for us to search for a home ourselves, many feel that it is simply not worth involving an estate agent to help with the buying process. But, having an estate agent help you look will save you time and, quite possibly, spare you some money as well. Below are a few of the ways real estate agents add value during the home-buying process: 1. TIME SAVER
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THINGS YOU FORGOT TO BUDGET FOR WHEN RENOVATING YOUR KITCHEN
The only thing of which you can be certain when budgeting for any renovation project is that you’ve more than likely under-budgeted on at least one expense. To help prevent you from drowning in unexpected expenses when the holes in your budget begin to show, below are some of the most commonly overlooked expenses in any kitchen remodel: 1) Damaged Flooring If you do n
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WHAT IS PRE-APPROVAL AND WHY IT MATTERS
Have you ever left the house without first checking the weather forecast? Confident that you know how the day will turn out, you pop on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and head out. Soon, the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse and you’re sat shivering in the corner with nothing but a serviette to cower under. Beginning your house hunting without first acquiring pre-approval on
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TIPS TO HELP SELLERS GET THEIR FULL ASKING PRICE
Selling a property for the full asking price can be challenging, especially within the current market where supply far outweighs demand. Everybody is looking for a bargain which means that sellers are going to have to convince buyers that their home is well worth its asking price. These days, sellers are not ill-informed. Thanks to internet access and property portals, buyers have access to all
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5 BACK-TO-SCHOOL PREPARATIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS
The gates of Chaos are about to be opened as most South African children head back to school. Luckily, there are ways to avoid the panic on the first morning back at school and prevent backpacks from flying as your half-dressed children scramble into the car before you follow through on your threat to leave without them … Below are some ways to make your home back-to-school ready this Ja
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