It is probably a good thing that most aggrieved South African home buyers who think that they have been cheated by a seller, simply don’t have the money to take the seller to court, says John Graham, CEO of home inspection company HouseCheck. Graham says that the voetstoots clause provides such effective and unfair legal […]
Let the home buyer beware Read More »
The CEO of a leading home inspection company, John Graham, says angry home buyers contact him every week with stories about how their dream home has turned into a nightmare. “People make the biggest purchase of their lives – a new house – and then discover that the house has serious problems which will cost
Home inspection can empower home buyers Read More »
In order to uplift standards and stimulate the development of the home inspection industry in South Africa, HouseCheck, one of South Africa’s leading home inspection companies has decided to make its extensive technical training material available to anyone who wants to become a home inspector. John Graham, CEO of HouseCheck, said that up to now
HouseCheck launches SAHITA and makes its home inspection training available to all Read More »
President Jacob Zuma has issued a proclamation switching control of the Estate Agent’s Affairs Board (EAAB) to Tokyo Sexwale, Minister of Human Settlements. Previously control and administration of the EAAB fell under the Department of Trade and Industry, which is also responsible for the Consumer Protection Commission. In two related developments: Sexwale told Parliament recently
Zuma shakes up the estate agency industry Read More »
To inspect or not to inspect? That is the question that more and more estate agents are confronting as buyers are increasingly shying away from buying a house without first seeing a comprehensive inspection report documenting the physical condition of the property. In the US, consumer-driven pre-sale home inspections are the norm. About 76 per
New consumer ruling may change the face of the SA real estate industry Read More »
If you’re in the market to buy a new home, you need to do everything in your power to steer clear of buying a house which becomes a nightmare after you move in and you only then discover that the roof leaks, or there’s damp in the walls, or that the geyser installation is both
How to avoid buying a money pit Read More »
I have just spent a very inspiring hour with South African retail legend Raymond Ackerman discussing HouseCheck and its campaign to champion the rights of the consumer/home buyer. Mr Ackerman told me how, many years ago, he had been rescued from making a bad buying decision with his first home in Johannesburg by a bank
Consumer Champion inspires HouseCheck Read More »
. A FIGHTER: National Consumer Commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi. Noni Mokati Some regard her as a “problem child” – an overly litigious woman who uses any opportunity to run to the courts at first provocation by her employer. But national consumer commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi believes she is nothing but a woman and worker hell-bent on fighting
The Consumer Protector fights for her job – Saturday Star Read More »
There is an interesting article in Cape Town’s Weekend Argus Property Section of 26 May 2012. I believe that this debate will continue until there is a test case and the courts rule on sellers’ and agents’ liability under the Consumer Protection Act. Meanwhile hardly a week goes by that an aggrieved buyer does not
Top attorney warns estate agents and sellers about the CPA Read More »
I had a presentation on home inspections this week to a group of estate agents who were very skeptical. These tough agents had previously been exposed to a home inspector from a rival company who had presented the case for home inspections to the local institute of estate agents. Apparently this guy messed it
Why do we need estate agents? Read More »
