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: IS IT really necessary to get pre-approval for a bond application? We already know we can afford the bond repayment, so are not worried about being declined.
A: Pre-approval gives you an indication of what the big banks will be willing to offer you, based on your affordability. It also proves to the seller that you are a serious buyer with the financial means to buy the home. This will strengthen your hand when it comes to making an offer on your chosen home, giving you the competitive edge when the seller has to consider other offers. By applying for pre-approval, you not only speed up your bond application when the time comes to put in an offer on a home, but you also increase your chance of bond approval. Pre-approval can be done online, at no cost, and at a time that suits you. You submit the same documents as you would for a bond application. As this information is stored on your profile, it can be used for your bond application if you sign an offer to purchase within three months of receiving pre-approval. – Carl Coetzee, chief executive of BetterBond Q: We are going to be installing solar panels at home to start our process of going off the grid. How do we choose the right company to do it for us and how do we know what quotes are fair? A: There are, unfortunately, plenty of so-called bakkie-brigade operations who purport to be solar installers but actually don’t have the expertise required. The company should have a PV GreenCard, which is a safety certification and quality assurance standard for solar PV installers. It offers installers specialised education and training. ITIn IS addition, comforting toto know parents and can live beyour certified registered on the PV GreenCard independently at Somerset Lodge database, installers mustCare be Centre, proficient and compliant with the with the safety net of 24-hour in case of electrical regulations. relevant national andcare, municipal are some tips to help you choose a reputable installer: anHere emergency. • While there are plenty of companies to be found online or via social media, rather consult PV GreenCard’s list of vetted and recommended installers. • Check whether the installer has generic solutions or does a proper design solution. A company that won’t offer you a bespoke solution to meet your requirements is probably not going to do the best installation. • Word of mouth is also a good way of choosing an installer. However, you should still make sure the company is accredited, irrespective of how highly they have been recommended. • Ask about the warranty on the materials that will be used. Solar panels usually come with a 25-year warranty, whereas quality product suppliers offer inverter and battery warranties for five to 10 years, so anything less than that should raise a red flag. • Make sure that you obtain quotes from more than one installer, so you can compare prices. – Ryan Steytler, chief operations officer of Hohm Energy
Get your place 14,5cm w xin the sun 39cm h Experts give advice on finding reliable solar PV installers, the advantages of getting pre-approval on a bond and other property issues BY BONNY FOURIE bronwyn.fourie@inl.co.za
FROM INDEPENDENT LIVING TO FRAIL CARE
Somerset Lodge Care Centre
Q: What are the benefits of using an estate agent to sell my home, compared to just doing it myself? I must admit, this just seems a lot easier and obviously cheaper as I will not need to pay a commission.
A: Selling real estate is more complicated than many may think. It takes years to build up a database of potential buyers that can be matched to a home. Beyond that, there are so many variables at play that affect the listing price, as well as the whole sales transaction, after an offer has been received. Those without the industry experience or expertise to navigate these processes can end up costing themselves either in the resultant sales price or in additional costs resulting from not following procedures correctly. These are the main reasons why it is beneficial to work through a real estate practitioner instead of attempting the sale on your own: • Better selling price: Agents are often able to achieve a far higher price than those who sell their home themselves. In an attempt to avoid paying commission, sellers often end up losing more on the asking price than if they had worked through an agent and paid the commission. Agents are better able to close a sale for the home’s full value because they have the experience and resources to price the home appropriately. • Save time: Keep in mind listing home notyears, the THESE residents may well require “frailthat care” during athe courseonline of theirisaged only step in the sales process. You will need to devote many and it is comforting for the person to be in familiar surroundings, with staff and hours of your day dealing with potential buyers and arranging routines they already know. appointments. An agent can also screen potential buyers, help At Somerset Lodgefor Carehome Centre,inspections based in Somerset Park in the La Lucia Ridge, our you to prepare and ensure whole sales process is handled efficiently. nurses are highly trained and, under the instruction of a GP, are able to administer • Get professional advice residents for a smooth transaction: Sellingora and monitor drips (IVs), commence on oxygen via a concentrator home is a complicated endeavour that involves plenty of legally oxygen cylinder, commence internal nutrition (peg feeds) and phlebotomy (the binding documents which could lead to some unforeseen drawing of blood), among other services. This meansAn our agent residents canknow have the circumstances if completed incorrectly. will the services they require in what their own units, without having go to hospital or a doctor’s ins and outs of is required and can to steer sellers away from making mistakes. – Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief room. Hospitalcostly stays often cause the elderly anxiety and even fear. executive ofremain RE/MAX of Southern Africa Many seniors in South Africa while their children and grandchildren may
HAS IT ALL FOR YOU ‘Assisted living’, by definition, is a health-care offering for someone who requires nursing intervention to go about their daily lives
have relocated, so it is comforting to know your parents can live independently at Q: My agent would prefer me to not be present during home viewings. Somerset Lodge Care Centre, safety net of 24-hour care, in case of She says buyers prefer itwhile thathaving way. the Is this true? an emergency. A: You will naturally be anxious to hear prospective buyers Here, residents are encouraged to take short walkswhat through the estate, either think of your home but your presence during a viewing is just accompanied or on their own, while those who are wheelchair bound are taken for likely to make them uncomfortable and keen to leave. outings byHowever, caregivers.ifOur services also include: they can look around at their own pace, and • Twice chair physio exercises are conducted at no listening extra charge. askweekly your agent some questions without you in, they • Other such aslikely Bingo,toquizzes, and crafts.all the great areactivities much more stay a10-pin whilebowling and discover things about your home you’d themattononotice – and • Twice weekly occupational therapythat classes are like conducted extra charge. that makes a sale much more likely. • Hairdresser and beautician services available on site. Trust your agent to report back to you after each viewing. • A variety of entertainers are engaged to provide entertainment for residents on a – Berry Everitt, chief executive of the Chas Everitt International monthly basis. property group
A SOLAR company should have a PV GreenCard, which is a safety certification and quality assurance standard for PV installers. PICTURE: KINDEL MEDIA/PEXELS
