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Unique opportunity in GetClub your Victoria Country Estate
: 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?
place in the sun Experts give advice on finding reliable solar PV installers, the advantages of getting pre-approval on a bond and other property issues
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 BY BONNY FOURIE bronwyn.fourie@inl.co.za safety certification and quality assurance standard for solar PV installers. It offers installers specialised education and training. In addition, to be certified and registered on the PV GreenCard database, installers must be proficient and compliant with the Fairways Lifestyle Village electrical Residents will be provided with security and individually-tailored FAIRWAYS LIFESTYLE VILLAGE is the final phase of the Victoria Country relevant national and municipal regulations. Here are some helpdesigned you choose a reputable installer: hastips been to carefully health management in the comfort of their own homes. Club Estate in Pietermaritzburg and is situated on a prime north-facing • While theretoare plenty of companies to be found online or via create a superior Every unit will be built with the internal infrastructure to location above the 18th fairway of the Victoria Country Club golf social media, rather consult PV GreenCard’s list of vetted and residential choice for accommodate the latest in Smart Home Technology Solutions, noncourse. recommended installers. discerning offering • Check whether the seniors, installer has generic solutions does invasive home monitoring devices and connected iHealth devices The village hasorbeen carefully designed to create a superior home-based careAoptions a proper design solution. companyresidential that won’t offer a which permit self-measurement and health management, extending to choice foryou discerning seniors, offering home-based care bespoke solution to independent meet your requirements is probably not from full living professional assistance from a team of caregivers, nurses and doctors. options from full independent living to full 24/7 in-house care. going to do the best to full 24/7installation. in-house care. Purchasers will determine the level of services they require in their The village an comprises 14 Cottages and 12 Luxury Maisonettes, • Word of mouth is also a good way of choosing installer. However, you should still make sure the company is accredited, home, with options to upgrade as their needs evolve. directly overlooking the golf course, and 52 Apartments in five irrespective of how highly they have been recommended. The aim is to provide residents with easy and continuous access multi-storey which also enjoy magnificent views. A Village Centre • Ask about the warranty on the materials that blocks will be used. to their required level of care, based on their own demand and under will provide a central hub for medical and wellness staff and services, Solar panels usually come with a 25-year warranty, whereas quality product suppliers offer inverter battery warranties their control. as and well as personal care and community facilities. 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 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 that listing a home online is not the only step in the sales process. You will need to devote many hours of your day dealing with potential buyers and arranging appointments. An agent can also screen potential buyers, help you to prepare for home inspections and ensure the whole sales process is handled efficiently. • Get professional advice for a smooth transaction: Selling a home is a complicated endeavour that involves plenty of legally binding documents which could lead to some unforeseen circumstances if completed incorrectly. An agent will know the ins and outs of what is required and can steer sellers away from making costly mistakes. – Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief executive of RE/MAX of Southern Africa
26,4cm w x 19cm h LUXURY 2 & 3 BEDROOM COTTAGES F O R S A L E fairways PHASE 1
CARE IN THE HOME SERVICES & FACILITIES
Q: My agent would prefer me to not be present during home viewings. She says buyers prefer it that way. Is this true? A: You will naturally be anxious to hear what prospective buyers think of your home but your presence during a viewing is just likely to make them uncomfortable and keen to leave. However, if they can look around at their own pace, and ask your agent some questions without you listening in, they are much more likely to stay a while and discover all the great things about your home that you’d like them to notice – and that makes a sale much more likely. Trust your agent to report back to you after each viewing. – Berry Everitt, chief executive of the Chas Everitt International property group
For further info contact Pam Golding Properties agents Grant Becker 083 780 3924 and A SOLAR company should have a PV GreenCard, which is a safety certification and quality assurance standard for Janine van Greunen 076 200 4482 PV installers. PICTURE: KINDEL MEDIA/PEXELS www.fairwayslifestylevillage.co.za
