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PROPERTY TALK
For the Seller
The process on when you decide to sell your property can be a minefield unless you know what to look for and understand that the process of selling your home is a business partnership where you supply the product and various service providers complete the fulfilment of the sale and transactions .
Step 1 : Before deciding to go to market be sure to complete repairs and general maintenance to your property . The reason for this is to ensure your home ( which is your product ) will be in its best condition to achieve the best possible price .
Step 2 : Once the repairs are done , begin to unclutter your living areas , rooms and cupboards — spring clean if you would . This allows rooms to feel bigger and provides potential buyers to visualize themselves in your home .
Step 3 : Find a reputable Real Estate Agent . This can be harder than thought as agents market themselves in a very competitive market resulting in just too many choices for you the seller . Here are a few things to looks for :
A ) Passive marketing : Agents often have marketing in the area they serve which indicates they are knowledgeable of that specific area .
B ) Bigger brands generally have greater exposure and you don ’ t stand the risk of losing the agent overnight due to economic downturns .
C ) Request proof of a Fidelity Fund Certificate . This is a legal trading licence which indicates the Real Estate Agent is authorized to sell fixed assets ( eg . Houses ). This means they are registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board which will give you a recourse should you be unhappy in any way of their method of practice .
Step 4 : Review the Agents listings on-line or in printed media . You are looking for the quality of presentation .
Step 5 : Valuation process is a great method to not only have your property assessed in value , but also to meet-and-greet various agents before committing to a mandate ( Defn : A mandate is an employment contract where you determine terms and conditions with the Agent ). Remember ; the Agent that gives you highest value on your property is not necessarily the best agent . Instead , consider whether you would enjoy working with the Agent and that they would be able to properly represent your property .
Step 6 : Complete the Mandate document with the agent of your choice . People are not always in favour of having a Sole Mandate ( One agent representing the property ), but it is wiser to have a single point of control and report which allows the agent to remain accountable to you the seller .
For more advice on property options and the due process of buying ,
selling and investing …
Marc van Heerden Cell : 073 198 9369 Tel : 041 360 0365 marcv @ sothebysrealtype . co . za www . sothebysrealty . co . za Each office is independently owned and operated
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