Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa April 2018 - 100th Issue! | Page 8

Q&A Property Advice Q My property in the Johannesburg municipal area has been revalued and is more than 100% more than the actual market value. What are my rights as owner to ad- dress this situation, when I know the value is too high and I will be paying too much from 1 July 2018? A Section 50 of the Municipal Prop- erty Rates act, 2004 (‘MPRA’) provides for the lodging of an objection against any matter reflected in, or omit- ted from the valuation roll. BEN ESPACH Director: Valuations at Rates Watch It is crucial that an objection, including a motivation, be lodged. The munic- ipal valuer will consider the objection and could, if your motivation is sound, agree with you on the value. In real life the municipal valuer will most probably consider the objection Q Though there is no universal tip that can guarantee an instant sale, avoiding these mistakes will go a long way in your efforts to sell. NEVILLE BRITS Conducting a proper inspection for declaration purposes is vital. More than just being a prerequisite for selling your home, a home inspection conducted by an experienced professional can save you the stress (never mind the legal implications, should it be taken that far) of having to deal with a disgruntled new home owner who has inherited a set of problems of which neither of you were made aware. Second, take advice on how to best stage the home. Whether this advice comes from your agent, a brutally hon- ASK THE EXPERTS 6 These actions of the municipality are most probably unlawful but, until they are convinced otherwise, ratepayers will have to pay now and fight later. What are some of the things I can do to achieve a faster sale on my home? A Broker and Owner of RE/MAX Dazzle after July and the incorrect value will be used to levy rates from July until the value is amended on the billing sys- tem. If the full amount is not paid, the municipality will most probably issue letters of final demand, threaten to dis- connect services and hand the account over for debt collection. est friend, or a staging professional is completely up to you. The important thing is to get an unsentimental view on your property, and to follow the ad- vice provided. Many buyers in our area think that an open mandate will get them the fastest deal and the best price. But, it’s actually the opposite. Ever heard of the phrase: ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’? Well, the idiom can be applied in real estate as well. Different agents will have dif- ferent ideas on the correct price point. And, even if they agree on the price, the same home marketed on different platforms and by different agents often only confuses buyers. Do you have a property question you would like answered by our experts? If so, post it on ASK THE EXPERTS on www.reimag.co.za or email [email protected] APRIL/MAY 2018 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine