Most Recent Buying Articles
RE/MAX NATIONAL HOUSING REPORT Q1 2018
Slow start for the first quarter In the first quarter of 2018, Lightstone data revealed that 31,875 new bonds were registered at the Deeds Office, totaling an amount of R33,666,534. This is down by 5,058 registered bonds since the last quarter of 2017. Data from all the major banks reveal that the average bond amount granted during this period was R1,056 million which is up ever so slightly from
Read moreSTAY OR GO? WHY STAYING FOR A VIEWING IS A BAD IDEA
Selling a property is never easy. Subtle details – from mismatched scatter cushions, to an unswept kitchen – can spell the difference between a potential buyer making an offer, or scratching your property off their list altogether. As much as you would love to be around to hear the passing comments as buyers amble through your abode, by choosing to remain at home during a showing, you
Read moreQ4 2017 HOUSING REPORT
In the last quarter of 2017, 36 943 bonds were registered at the Deeds Office, totalling an amount of R38 819 406. Data from all the major banks reveal that the average bond amount granted during this period was around R1.051 million, which is down from the R1.11 million seen between July and September 2017. During the last quarter of the year, around 38 630 bonds were cancelled. Of the 52 011 hom
Read moreINTEREST RATES UNCHANGED AT FIRST MPC MEETING OF 2018
No surprises at the first Monetary Policy Committee of 2018, as Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, announced that the interest rates would stay at their current levels. The prime lending rate will remain at 10.25%, while the repo rate stays put at 6.75%. While the Rand has strengthened, and inflation has largely been contained, the MPC remains cautious in their approach and bias towards upsi
Read moreTIPS FOR LONG DISTANCE HOME SEARCHES
Moving down the road can be a daunting task, nevermind across the country. Whether for family reasons or an employment opportunity, it is not uncommon for people to find themselves in a situation where they may have to relocate to another city or town in another region. While challenging, technology has made the world a smaller place which makes moving across the country - or the world for that ma
Read moreIT IS WORTH USING AN AGENT TO SELL YOUR HOME?
To reduce costs, some homeowners may be thinking about listing their property themselves, rather than making use of a real estate professional. On surface value, this may seem to be an excellent way to cut down on expenses during the homes sales process; however, it also means that the homeowner will have to see the whole process through from start to finish. Since the introduction of the inter
Read moreNO CHANGE IN INTEREST RATES
Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said that the Monetary Policy Committee had once again decided to let the interest rates remain unchanged with the repo rate at 6.75%, and the prime lending rate at 10.25%. An expected decision with the rand weakening sharply since the last meeting in September, as well as the surge in the international oil price and increasing agricultural prices. Adria
Read moreQ3 2017 HOUSING REPORT
Over the last three months, 36 740 bonds were registered at the Deeds Office, totalling an amount of R38 844 981. Data from all the major banking institutions reveal that the average bond amount granted during this period was around R1.11 million, slightly up from the R1.033 million seen in the second quarter of the year. During the third quarter of this year, approximately 52 335 bonds were cance
Read moreARE 30 YEAR BONDS WORTHWHILE?
To lower your monthly bond repayment, you might be considering financing a bond over a period of 30 years. However, before you do, carefully consider the financial impact of the additional interest charged over the longer term loan period. You will pay far less interest if you opt for the more traditional 20-year bond. A 30-year bond can look like an attractive option, especially with the lower
Read moreBATHROOM BUDGET RENOVATIONS
Giving a fresh new look to an outdated bathroom can modernise and add value to a home without costing too much. Renovations and contemporary remodelling of bathrooms are known to boost the marketability of a home and, also, bathrooms and kitchens are the two areas of a home where the cost of the renovation can be largely recouped on the sale of the property. According to statistics on averag
Read moreBE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Owning a home is a long-term commitment that can span a lifetime. While we all hope for the best, it is likely that at some stage during our lives, a home emergency of some kind will strike, so it is best to be prepared. While impossible to determine when it will happen, home repairs are a certainty homeowners will need to consider and prepare for. Putting aside money each month in a contingency f
Read moreWHAT DOES RE/MAX PROVIDE YOU?
Apart from the unbeatable global brand recognition and international marketing efforts, RE/MAX also offers a wide range of bespoke tech and training for our agents and franchisees so that they can become successful entrepreneurs. In this article, we introduce you to just some of the tools and learning opportunities that RE/MAX provides you… The RE/MAX Hub Anything can be accomplished
Read more