Most Recent Living Articles
PROPERTY VALUE AFFECTS RATES AND TAXES
Each month homeowners receive a bill for the rates and taxes applicable to their property, but what are these municipal rates used for and how is the amount worked out? Municipal property rates are financial liabilities that owners of immovable property are required to pay monthly for basic services that their local municipality provide. Some of these services include maintenance of roads, stre
Read moreQUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOME
Just as buyers need to do their research before taking on homeownership, those who are considering placing their home on the market also need to spend some time contemplating certain aspects before they list their property. In fact, there are three questions that every homeowner should ask themselves before placing their home on the market. Question one – Is it the right time to sell?
Read moreSCHOOLS IMPACT HOME VALUES
Purchasing a property is a large financial commitment, and as such, there are several vital aspects that need to be considered before taking the final step towards homeownership. While price, the type of home and cost, are a few of the factors that require attention - the most crucial aspect to consider is location. Most buyers in today’s market know that location is important, but not ev
Read moreSHOULD EQUITY IN THE BOND BE USED FOR DEBT?
Often car loans and credit cards accrue interest at a much higher rate than a home loan, which is why many people decide to take equity out of their home loan to pay off their other debts. Focusing on paying off debt with the highest interest rate is a very good financial strategy to implement, but is using a home loan to do it the best idea? The answer to that question largely depends on the t
Read moreTENANT SELECTION IS IMPERATIVE TO RENTAL SUCCESS
Purchasing an investment property and renting it out can be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the landlord and tenant, provided the owner of the property adheres to a few key principles from the start when selecting a suitable tenant. Due to South African legislation, selecting the right tenant can be a rather complex process. However, there are several methods that landlords can use t
Read moreTIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE MOVE
It doesn’t matter whether it is across the road or the country, moving from one home to another can be a stressful experience. The fact is that most people will move at least once in their lives, and while it can be a relatively easy process for some, for the others the experience could be enough to scar them for life. So what’s the difference between a smooth moving experience and
Read moreTIPS ON INVESTING IN YOUR FIRST PROPERTY
When deciding on investing in property for the first time, there a few key elements that investors should take into consideration, such as whether they are investment-ready and well informed on all the available options. Purchasing a property is a major commitment that should be carefully evaluated regarding your life plans and financial situation both currently and in the future. As a first-ti
Read moreTIPS FOR PACKING AND MOVING QUICKLY
When it comes to moving, ideally you would want some lead time to be able to prepare and get everything in order. However, due to certain circumstances, time is not always a luxury that some people have. Here are a few tips to help maximise the time you have to move: Create a packing station A lot of time can be wasted by constantly trying to find items around the home, such as the scisso
Read moreWAYS TO MAKE RENOVATING LESS STRESSFUL
Renovating is an excellent way to update the look and feel of a home, while possibly adding to its value. However, the process can be just as stressful as moving to a new home. While the task can be daunting, there are several methods that can be used to reduce the potential stress caused by a renovation project. Regardless of whether it is updating the kitchen or adding another room, a renovat
Read moreWHY IS HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE SO IMPORTANT?
For most, their home will be the largest financial asset they will ever own, which is why homeowner’s insurance is imperative. In most cases, the bank will take out the homeowner’s insurance on behalf of the new homeowner, and the monthly premium can be debited to the home loan account and paid with the monthly bond repayments. However, if the homeowner would prefer, they can
Read moreQ1 2017 HOUSING REPORT
According to Deeds Office data, 35 088 bonds were registered from January to March this year, with the average bond amount at around R1 027 000. It is interesting to note that during this same period the statistics revealed that 45 552 bonds were cancelled. Average property prices up Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that 29 654 freehold homes have
Read moreQ2 2017 HOUSING REPORT
Deeds Office statistics reveal that in the second quarter of this year, 35 637 bonds were registered, with an average bond amount of approximately R1 033 000. The number of bonds registered increased by 549, while the average bond amount increased by R6 000 when compared with last quarter's figures. Approximately 51 515 bonds were cancelled during the same time frame. Average freehold price
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