With another year drawing to an end, it is the ideal time for consumers who aspire to homeownership in 2015 to take stock of their financial position and assess whether they are on the right track with their financial planning, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. “It is no secret that financial institutions have fairly stringent lending requirements and it has become increasingly more important for prospective homeowners to keep their financial affairs in order to show the … [Read more...] about Take stock of your financial position
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Top 5 five potential defects to look out for when buying a home
Although it is the appearance of a home that buyers often fall in love with, there is sometimes more to a home than meets the eye. This is according to Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, who says that regardless of whether a buyer is purchasing their first property or they have an investment portfolio of several properties, the fundamentals of purchasing a property never change. “Purchasing a property is a large investment. In fact, for many it is the largest financial … [Read more...] about Top 5 five potential defects to look out for when buying a home
In the Market for a holiday home?
Read these 5 Tips to choosing the right holiday home: As the year winds down, many South Africans will be making plans to spend some time in the country’s top leisure destinations over their holiday period, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. He notes that this is the ideal time of year for buyers to get a feel for the property market in these areas, especially if they are planning on acquiring a leisure property. “As the momentum within the property market continues … [Read more...] about In the Market for a holiday home?
Is signing a sole mandate the right thing to do?
Could signing a sole mandate reduce your chances of finding a buyer in the shortest possible time at the best price? According to RE/MAX of Southern Africa CEO, Adrian Goslett, while many sellers tend to shy away from sole mandates because they don’t want to put all their eggs into one basket, signing a sole mandate could actually be far more beneficial to them then they think. “Essentially a mandate is an exclusive contract between the seller and a real estate agent, allowing that agent to … [Read more...] about Is signing a sole mandate the right thing to do?
Is your home truly an asset?
Many South Africans aspire to homeownership because they want to have a piece of land that they can call their own, an asset that they know will appreciate in value and provide them with a foundation for financial security. Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that while a owning a property is considered to be an asset – is every home a true asset? “If you read the dictionary definition of the word ‘asset’, it would describe it is any item of economic value owned by an … [Read more...] about Is your home truly an asset?
5 Mistakes to avoid when moving
At some stage in their lifetime most people will experience moving from one home to another at least once. While for some it might be a relatively easy process with few or no issues, for others the experience could have them wanting to avoid moving again for the rest of their lives. Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that regardless of whether it’s to another suburb or clear across the country, moving can be a stressful experience. However, he notes that if movers avoid a few … [Read more...] about 5 Mistakes to avoid when moving
Contemplating fixing the interest rate on your bond?
While the current prime interest rate is still considered to be comparatively low, Reserve Bank Governor, Gill Marcus has forewarned the South African public that we are currently in an increasing rate cycle and consumers should expect to see further rate hikes in the future. Considering this, it is no wonder that many homeowners are contemplating fixing the interest rate on their bonds, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. Who would benefit from a fixed interest rate? … [Read more...] about Contemplating fixing the interest rate on your bond?
Guidelines to buying property with a partner
With the rising cost of living and many would-be homeowners struggling to afford purchasing a property on their own, many have decided to share costs and increase their chances of approval by choosing to buy a home with a partner. This is according to Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, who notes that co-ownership is becoming a very attractive option for unmarried buyers who want to get into the market as soon as they can. “Many consumers are aware of the fact that the market is … [Read more...] about Guidelines to buying property with a partner
Kobie Potgieter scoops African award
Top Port Elizabeth real estate broker Kobie Potgieter was among the national winners at the southern African leg of the Africa's Most Influential Women in Business and Government awards in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The pan-African competition attracted more than 9 000 nominations from 43 countries. Potgieter, owner of Re/Max Independent, was named Country Winner after beating out eight other finalists in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Potgieter's award follows the … [Read more...] about Kobie Potgieter scoops African award
Your home as an investment strategy
For the large majority of consumers, purchasing a property will be the biggest investment decision they make and one that will affect their financial wellbeing for a long time to come, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. He notes that it is highly likely that the property they purchase will account for the largest percentage of their net wealth, which is why it is comforting to know that owning a property is a viable investment option that has proven itself, over time, to … [Read more...] about Your home as an investment strategy
Top 6 property purchase golden rules
Not all property purchases are equal. This is according to Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, who says that while the emerging market conditions have created opportunities in today’s real estate sector, buyers need to be savvy and make the correct buying decisions if they want to get the most out of their property purchase in the future. He notes that buying a property at fair market value doesn’t guarantee that healthy returns will be realised over the long term. While an … [Read more...] about Top 6 property purchase golden rules
How affordability levels affect the Property Market
According to statistics from the South African Savings Institute, household savings in relation to GDP is at just 1.7%, indicating that South African consumers have a poor saving culture. On average, the household debt ratio in relation to disposable income is around 75.8% and household disposable income is at just 2.4%. “South Africa is considered to have a relatively low savings rate when compared to other emerging markets around the globe,” says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern … [Read more...] about How affordability levels affect the Property Market
Where is the Proprty Market now?
Since the beginning of 2013 we have seen the property market transition from a strong buyer’s market into a slightly more balanced market that is slowly starting to tip in the seller’s favour, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. “Currently the market conditions that we are experiencing point to the fact that we are in the middle of a transition to a seller’s market,” says Goslett. “Although it has been slow, a housing market recovery is taking place in South Africa. … [Read more...] about Where is the Proprty Market now?
Points to consider for those looking to use a professional mover
Whether buying a new home or renting one, everyone will experience moving homes at some stage of their lives. Moving yourself can be a physically daunting task and can also be expansive, so using professional movers could make a lot of sense. However, the challenge is determining which mover to use with so many to choose from. “Ideally the best way to select a mover is through a referral from a friend or family member who has used them before,” says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern … [Read more...] about Points to consider for those looking to use a professional mover
Pitfalls to avoid when buying a fixer-upper
Purchasing a property that is in a state of decay and in need of a facelift could go one of two ways, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. He notes that for those with the right skills, know-how and available financial resources, it could turn out to be a very profitable and rewarding experience. However, there is always that chance that it turns out to be a financially hungry white elephant. Goslett says that the difference between a viable, successful investment and one … [Read more...] about Pitfalls to avoid when buying a fixer-upper
