It’s the beginning of a new year and those lucky enough to receive an annual bonus and/or salary increase at the end of December 2013 would have been wise to have save some towards a home deposit or into their bond.
A good estate agent is someone with excellent communication skills who has the ability to ask the right questions and who listens carefully.
Everyone knows that there are few investments as valuable as owning property, but buying a home is no walk in the park and you have to take into account that you need comprehensive knowledge to ensure the process is smooth. An experienced estate agent can guide you but it is essential to select the right agent who is properly qualified and deal with a reputable agency.
All professional agents are subject to strict requirements including a NQF level 4 qualification followed by a professional exam and have to be registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board who regulate and control the industry in the public's interest.
Steve van Wyk, Seeff Licensee in Centurion, says a good estate agent is someone with excellent communication skills who has the ability to ask the right questions and listens carefully.
An experienced agent won’t ever waste a client’s time, he says, and will only take buyers to view properties within their price range and that match their specifications.
The agent is the link between the buyer and the seller, he explains, and will negotiate an agreement until both parties are satisfied. "Estate agents are also experts on neighbourhoods and are able to advise where to aim your search."
He says agents can often offer insight as to why the owner is selling and what is included in the sale (garden shed, greenhouse, fixtures and fittings, etc.), how long the owners have lived there, for how much other properties in the neighbourhood are selling, justification for the selling price and whether or not the owner is willing to negotiate the price.
Van Wyk says the following questions are also important to ask the agent before deciding to view a property:
- Which way does the property face? This can often make or break the property.
- What are the legal requirements regarding building restrictions?
- How much are the levies per month? Remember that these are reoccurring expenses that will add to the pressure of owning your home monthly.
- How old is the property? This is important because the upkeep of an older house is often more expensive.
- Does the owner have valid plans for the property?
- What are the neighbours like? Have there been any complaints lodged against them? Knowing this can give you a good idea of who you will be moving in next to.
- Any important information about the local neighbourhood that is relevant, i.e. how far is the closest petrol station, what is the security like, are there any community activities, etc.
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