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Letter from the editor I WAS recently sitting in my car with an estate agent after a viewing, talking about interest rates and why it’s a good time to buy property, when he exclaimed: “I love my job.” “That came from nowhere,” I said, to which he replied: “I just feel so privileged to help people and ease the nerves on probably their biggest transaction in their lives.” I could absolutely feel Jonathan B’s passion and it struck me that’s what makes an extraordinary estate agent stand out from an ordinary one. In my search for a property I’ve dealt with both. I think of Linda K who went over and above to help me find the perfect spot, and helped me put in offers and who eased my disappointment when one slipped between my fingers. And Dale J, who also went out of his way and most recently Wayne S who joyfully showed me a place more than three times. There are so many wonderful estate agents I have dealt with but I don’t have the space here to mention each one of you to whom I feel so grateful. Of course there were ones who were rude, who sent ugly WhatsApps and who never responded to queries. I get it, they too have to deal with some awful potential clients. It made me realise that as a buyer I was lucky when I found an agent who would take me under their wing and help me in making such a big decision. There is also thanks to agency heads who are willing – on our pages every week – to give all of us important news, trends and insights and make the property maze easier for all to navigate. Here is a very big shout out and immense thanks to the industry for making the journey to buying, renting and selling a home easier for all in this exciting but scary process. It takes all types to make up an industry, and I feel lucky to have met the extraordinary more often than not. Warm regards
Vivian Warby vivian.warby@inl.co.za
Buyers and sellers should know how to identify the best real estate agency, and agent, for their particular needs.
Pick the best agent for your property journey Top tips on selecting the real estate professional most suited to you when you’re stepping on to the property ladder BY BONNY FOURIE bronwyn.fourie@inl.co.za
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ETTING a foot on the property ladder is not just about deciding to buy a home, and choosing to sell a home is not just about finding a buyer. Entering the market – as buyer, seller or tenant – can be the start of a long journey with many twists and turns. Most people know the roles of estate agencies, and real estate professionals are integral aspects of the process, but they do not always know how to select the right agency or agent to assist, nor what sets one agent or agency apart from another.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGENCY Craig Mott, Western Cape regional sales and commercial manager for the Rawson Property Group, says you should consider a brand’s prominence in an area. “The agent’s marketing and branding needs to be prominent. This shows that the agent is active and performing well. Another thing to look out for is the volume of sold stickers on for sale boards.” A brand should be active online. “View agency websites and social media pages, if they have any. Pay attention to their listings – either on the agency website or the various property portals. Note how they have described the property, look at the quality of images and check if they provide virtual tours.” Mott adds: “Nothing beats the
old-school word-of-mouth referral.” A agency or agent should have invested in technology, so they can offer virtual show houses and meetings. “Ideally, it should be a ‘onestop property shop’. So, for buyers, services like an in-house bond origination service will be convenient and assist with speeding up the buying process. Conveyancing attorneys will assist with the transfer of the property. “For landlords, it can be things like an in-house accounting team who can manage the collection of the monthly rent and manage all account payments on your behalf, providing consistent and comprehensive financial reporting.” You should also ask friends or acquaintances who have recently sold properties in the area for references, advises Nikki Elliott of Country & Coastal Properties. Alternatively, do some homework and read the “about us” sections of agencies on their websites. “Once interested in an agency, ask them for references from previous clients and/or ask for the phone numbers of previous sellers and speak to them personally. “Meet the principal, or phone them (preferably more than one) to get an idea of their competence, their willingness to assist and whether you feel comfortable with the person you speak to. “Find out what marketing they will do for you.”
CHOOSING THE RIGHT AGENT While Elliott cannot speak on behalf of larger agencies, as she works on her own, she says once a seller has selected an agency, the first step in choosing an agent is by asking for a copy of their latest/valid Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC). “Also find out if the chosen agent is fully qualified. If it is an intern, ask to speak to the agency principal, if you haven’t done so before, to determine how involved the principal will be in the sale.” Mott says, as a seller or a landlord, you will be working closely with your agent, so finding a good personality fit is just as important as establishing the right professional credentials. Once you know they have a valid FFC, the choice comes down to how prominent the agent is in the area. “Look out for their sold stickers/ signs. Check online property portals to view agent’s listings. If the agent has a good number of listings, this could mean that they have an even bigger database of buyers.” A seller should request at least two or three valuations from various agents and then check the quality of service they get from each individual, and how they explain the valuation and sale process. “This will also give you an opportunity to assess basic things like their phone manners and interactive skills. Do they follow through on things and are they punctual? Is there constant communication?
“Are they keeping you up to date with information, even if there is no feedback to share, just a quick check in says a lot about the agent,” says Mott. Adrian Goslett, chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa, says the assistance of an established, knowledgeable and well-connected agent can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home timeously and for full value. “The basis for this decision can be summed up in three words: good, trust and care. Choose somebody who you know is the best at what they do, who is trustworthy and who cares about your needs. The first can be proven through stats and sales records.” The other two characteristics, he says, are harder to assess and can really be discerned only through interaction with the agent. “Meet either virtually or face to face, if possible with several agents, before deciding who you will work best with,” he says. The last step is one that many sellers tend to overlook – and that is to make a lasting relationship with your agent. “Even after your home is sold, you never know when you’re going to need real estate advice. Good estate agents can offer a wealth of useful information, from referring a reliable plumber to suggesting a great spot to invest in a holiday home. Keeping in touch with your agent can prove helpful well into the future.”
DISCLAIMER: The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. Copyright ANA Publishing. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from ANA Publishing. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material. Publisher Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency Executive Editor Property Vivian Warby vivian.warby@inl.co.za Features Writer Property Bonny Fourie bronwyn.fourie@inl.co.za Design Kim Stone kim.stone@inl.co.za
