For those of us lucky enough to get an end-of-year bonus, this time of year can be a tantalising wait for that extra cash to hit our bank account. Chances are you've already got more than a few ideas on how to spend this seasonal windfall, but could there be a better way to make that money work for you? “It’s really easy – particularly over the festive season – to splurge our year-end bonuses on little luxuries and impulsive buys that are fun in the moment, but add very little lasting value … [Read more...] about How to get more out of your year-end bonus
Rawsons
4 Ways to spot a good rental agent
Using a good rental agent is one of the most frequently recommended ways to ensure the ongoing health and growth of a rental asset – particularly in today’s challenging property market. However, not all rental agents provide the same level and quality of service, so how does one go about finding the right rental partner? Jacqui Savage, National Rentals Manager for the Rawson Property Group, shares four, easy-to-check attributes when looking for a good rental agent. Credentials and Ongoing … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to spot a good rental agent
Don’t let cybercriminals intercept your real estate transactions
Cybercrime has become a major, global problem, and South Africa is far from exempt from this growing scourge. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) recently revealed that cybercriminals made off with over R2.6 billion from digital banking fraud alone in 2018 – a staggering sum for a country whose citizens are already under severe economic pressure. According to Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, real estate transactions can be particularly attractive to … [Read more...] about Don’t let cybercriminals intercept your real estate transactions
Using a rental agency is the safest option in a tough economic climate
The resulting flat average national rental growth rates, paired with increasing numbers of high-risk tenants and tenants in default, have led many landlords to question whether the cost of using a rental agent is worth the additional convenience and security. “It can be tough to justify extra costs on an investment when that investment isn’t delivering the kind of growth that you’re used to,” says Jacqui Savage, National Rental Manager for the Rawson Property Group. “Ironically, these tight … [Read more...] about Using a rental agency is the safest option in a tough economic climate
3 Signs of a shifting property market
Like any free market, property is subject to cyclical highs and lows which can be difficult to predict as private homeowner. Real estate agents are occasionally attributed with near-magical influence over price ups and downs, but in reality, they have just as much control over which way the market turns as we do. “At the end of the day, agents aren’t the ones choosing what prices to list properties for – it’s the homeowner who makes that final decision,” says Schalk van der Merwe, franchisee … [Read more...] about 3 Signs of a shifting property market
What to do when it’s time to downscale
There comes a point in most of our lives when a large, family home is no longer the right fit for the lifestyle we lead. Knowing when it’s time to say goodbye to that sentimental property, however, can be a difficult and emotional decision. “Downsizing is definitely a tricky topic to broach with property owners,” says Schalk van der Merwe, franchisee for the Rawson Properties Helderberg Group. “It can feel very final – closing a chapter of your life – but delaying out of sentiment can also be … [Read more...] about What to do when it’s time to downscale
4 ways arms-length property valuations are shooting sellers in the foot
Between online service providers, low-cost agencies and traditional real estate agents, sellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting a property valuation before they sell. For many, the relatively un-intrusive nature of a purely data-driven valuation may be an enticing option. However, property experts warn that arms-length appraisals often backfire when it comes to a sale. Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, explains. “Just last month we had an agent value a property … [Read more...] about 4 ways arms-length property valuations are shooting sellers in the foot
Moving? Check these 4 Areas
Moving house is always stressful, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. A little bit of strategic decluttering can make a surprisingly big dent in the packing burden, cutting back on craziness and cost in one, super-effective step! David Jacobs, Regional Manager for the Rawson Property Group, shares his favourite (and frequently forgotten) clutter collectors that can be safely weeded out long before moving day. Linen Cupboard “Linen cupboards are one of the most overlooked clutter … [Read more...] about Moving? Check these 4 Areas
Mini-budget a mixed bag for the property market
South Africans had high hopes for Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s maiden mini-budget speech, particularly after his unexpected pre-speech engagement with the public on Twitter. Subsequent reactions, however, have been less than optimistic, following announcements that included rising budget deficits, tax revenue shortfalls, increasing gross national debt and a downgrade in economic growth projections. Short-term results have included an almost immediate dip in the rand and plummeting hopes … [Read more...] about Mini-budget a mixed bag for the property market
An A-Z guide to selling your home
Selling a much-loved home can be an emotional prospect, but it’s an important part of moving onwards and upwards to better things. The good news is the sales process doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. Here’s everything you need to know, going in. Choosing the right time to sell Contrary to popular opinion, there is no “perfect” time of year to sell a house. According to Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group, every season has its pros and cons. “Spring and summer benefit … [Read more...] about An A-Z guide to selling your home
What to expect from residential mortgages by year end
Early 2018 brought good news for prospective homeowners as bond approval rates climbed from 2017’s 47% average to a much more encouraging 60% in March. Several political and economic hiccups have shaken things up since then, but according to the Rawson Property Group, the finance landscape remains very favourable for residential buyers. “There are a number of interesting factors coming into play in residential property finance at the moment,” says Tony Clarke, MD of the Rawson Property Group. … [Read more...] about What to expect from residential mortgages by year end
