What is the real effect of a voetstoots clause in a property sales contract if the buyer later discovers undisclosed defects in the house being bought? Because the authority of the Consumer Protection Act does not extend to private “once-off” sellers of real estate, most sellers and their agents still rely heavily on the insertion […]
Voetstoots – latent and patent defects and the home inspection report Read More »
The process of waiting for the results of a home inspection can be incredibly stressful for both buyer and seller (not to mention the estate agent!) Every agent knows that no matter how new or old a property is, unexpected defects often pop up in home inspection reports. All three parties have an emotional investment
Home inspections: How agents can manage buyer and seller emotions Read More »
Leading SA consumer journalist Wendy Knowler says that the Consumer Protection Act, is proving to be largely toothless. Knowler writes: “Thanks to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), South Africans are among the most protected consumers in the world. That’s wonderful – in theory. “Of course, for legislation to have any real meaning, for it to
Consumer Protection Act proving to be toothless Read More »
Home prices rise slowly There was moderate growth in house prices during September 2012, according to bond originator, ooba. The average house price for September was R876 717, up 4.5 per cent year-on-year. The average home loan deposit was up from R142 885 in September 2011 to R156 172 in September 2012, which is 17.8
HouseCheck Property News Digest: October 2012 Read More »
The Third Quarter FNB Estate Agent Survey shows that financial pressure on home owners is still driving the house market. Agents estimate that 20 per cent of home sales result from downscaling due to financial pressures. Another 21 per cent of sellers are downscaling because of life changes (getting older). Only 16 per cent of
Downscaling still major factor in SA home sales Read More »
SARS has introduced a new system from October 2012 whereby the transfer of any property will be delayed unless all the parties involved – the buyer, seller and the estate agency – have their tax affairs in order. SARS now requires the transferring attorney to provide the tax numbers of the property buyer and seller
SARS tightens up on property transfers Read More »
It often amazes me how property owners go about repairs, maintenance and renovations. In almost all cases it’s a case of: “Let’s get the cheapest quote”. And so the bakkie builder brigade are called in and very often grief follows. People who have spent at least one million (and often a lot more) on their
Dangers of getting the cheapest quote Read More »
In the current South African housing market, home buyers still have more houses to choose from and it remains firmly a buyer’s market, with the buyer, rather than the seller, calling most of the shots. If you are a seller or a seller’s estate agent, then the question to ask is: Why should buyers stop
Home seller’s inspections Read More »
Thanks John Just sent payment confirmation. Thanks to Gerrie for the chat earlier – look forward to reading the report but your services are 100% worth every cent – saved us from a potential financial disaster not to mention a whole lot of hassle in this house. So debating our next move but think the
Here’s another happy client Read More »
By John Graham CEO HouseCheck Research over the past 10 years on consumer behaviour shows clearly that all over the world the common denominator is a search by the consumer for something to trust. Easy access to independent information via the internet, the banking scandals, political scandals and increasing incidents of what is perceived to
Consumers are now less trusting Read More »
