Most Recent Buying Articles
WHY PROPERTY TRANSFERS TAKE LONGER OVER DECEMBER
If you have purchased property near the end of the year, you might have a slightly longer wait ahead before the property will be transferred into your name. As with most other businesses, the various Deed’s Offices across the country close over December, most of which close around the 21st and re-open around the 2nd of January. This means that the standard eight to ten working day waiting
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‘TIS THE SEASON OF GENEROUSITY
It is estimated that over 13,000 children live in residential care facilities and well over 10,000 more live on the streets of South Africa. When thinking in these terms, it can feel overwhelming to consider making any kind of meaningful difference to the situation. However, according to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, if we each just contribute in our ow
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WHY ITS IMPORTANT TO CHECK YOUR AGENT’S CREDENTIALS
Similarly to how one might expect a doctor to display his / her degree on the wall of their office, professional real estate agents should be more than willing to provide evidence of their credentials when doing business with you. If not, you might be dealing with a non-registered estate agent. “Did you know that if your agent doesn’t have a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC), yo
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LIVE IN ONE OF THE TRENDIEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN THE WORLD
In terms of tourist destinations, South Africa is a treasure trove of hidden gems. One such jewel is the quaint suburb of Kalk Bay, named one of the “coolest neighbourhoods around the world” in an article published by Forbes last year. The many boutique stores, iconic Olympia Café and Dalebrook rock pool, along with many other fantastic restaurants, incredible surf opportunities
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UNPACKING THE RENTING TREND ACROSS THE GLOBE
Twenty years ago, purchasing property was an unquestioned right of passage towards which every household strived. Today, households across the globe are choosing to remain in the rental market rather than own their own property. “There are several reasons why households choose to rent, affordability being one of the key determining factors for reaching this decision. Within the South Afri
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MPC ANNOUNCES STABLE INTEREST RATES
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced today that the prime lending rate will remain at 10% and the repo rate at 6.5%. This follows from a period of wins and losses for the South African economy. CPI slowed to 4,1% in September from 4,3% in August. However, Moody’s also gave South Africa a negative outlook for its investment grading and lowered its economic growth outlook for the coun
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ANOTHER AGENT ADDED TO THE CIRCLE OF LEGENDS
Roma Naudé, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Property Merchants, qualified for the prestigious Circle of Legends Award, the second highest achievement within RE/MAX, in April 2019. She is the sixth person to receive this award within the Southern Africa Region. Providing a little background to her journey towards achieving this milestone, Naudé explains that, equipped with an Honours degree
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RAISING AWARENESS AROUND MEN’S HEALTH THIS NOVEMBER
South Africa’s largest real estate brand is about to get a lot hairier this November. In an effort to raise funds and awareness around various men’s health issues, including testicular and prostate cancer, RE/MAX of Southern Africa has challenged its network to grow their moustaches (ladies are encouraged to grow their leg hair) over the course of November in support of this cause.&nbs
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WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH A MOVE
Moving can be an extremely positive experience, provided parents can keep their children involved and informed to help them cope throughout the move. A change in routine and lifestyle can bring about fear and anxiety in children, especially if they are not fully prepared for what is about to happen. If the move is due to the family upgrading to a larger home or a better neighbourhood, there wil
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3 TIPS FOR GOOD RETURNS ON A HOLIDAY HOME
A holiday home investment provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. And, with the wide variety of leisure destinations throughout the country, buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a location in which to purchase a holiday home. Apart from a getaway that the family can enjoy, a leisure property can also be a solid investment that generates healthy returns over
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HOW REPEAT BUYERS CAN FINANCE THEIR NEW HOME
Most repeat buyers rely on the equity from the sale of their first home to finance their new home. However, the process of cancelling one home loan to take out another is not always simple. It is therefore advisable to arrange a consultation with a bond originator to help you better understand how to go about the process. While experienced real estate professionals will be able to outline the g
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MISTAKES EMPTY-NESTERS MAKE WHEN DOWNSIZING
Relocating after your last child leaves the nest can be an emotional experience – especially if you are a tightly-knit family. It can be difficult to adjust your thinking when viewing new homes, as you now need to consider only your own wants and needs and not those of your children. Below are the three mistakes empty nesters most often make when downsizing after their children move out o
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