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AWARDS:EXCELLING IN GROWTH AND SALES
The RE/MAX Helderberg team based at Waterstone Village has grown to 26 Sales Associates and five support staff, led by broker/owner, Lee Siebert.
RE/MAX H’berg wins Premier Club status The 26-strong team making up RE/MAX Helderberg Sales Associates, reached the top fourth spot out of 60 single offices within RE/MAX Southern Africa. At the RE/MAX Premier Club Awards ceremony at the Mount Nelson recently, broker/ owner,
Lee Siebert, was awarded Premier Club Status for her office’s growth in 2014 and for exceptional sales. In June 2014, RE/MAX agents in Southern Africa posted their highest sales and registrations month in the history of the company. In reaction to the region’s most recent success, CEO Adrian Goslett
offered these words of encouragement to the RE/MAX offices in the Southern Africa region: “A massive congratulations to each and every one of you (support staff included) on this outstanding achievement! RE/MAX is about so much more than being the number one company at taking listings and
selling homes. RE/MAX is about positively impacting and improving the lives of real estate people.” Lee Siebert added: “RE/MAX agents do ‘the core and more’ when it comes to real estate services. Our results speak for themselves and our message is clear – for the best results come to the best in the
business worldwide!” The RE/MAX group operates in over 90 countries globally, truly exposing your property to the world. RE/MAX Sales Associates lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production.
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Fun for kids at Lanzerac Attention all kids! Next time Mom and Dad plan a trip to Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch be sure to tag along. Not only do the adults get to have fun, but now kids can too with the introduction of the Kids Choc and Grapetiser pairing. Tuck into the three chocolate fingers on offer which are white almond and apricot, pink rose Geranium and Liquorice and Fennel whilst washing it down with a sparkling red Grapetiser. Enjoy this fun holiday activity at a cost of R35 per child, which will also be available to all visiting youngsters under the age of 18 years throughout the year, and bookings are advisable to avoid disappointment. And if you’re still hungry afterwards be sure to pop into the deli next door for a delectable sandwich or platter. For more information contact Lanzerac Wine Estate on 021 886 5641 or winesales@lanzerac.co.za.
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Cape Dutch farm on the market One of the most picturesque Cape Dutch farms of a double-volume central area. The right wing includes a large, 18-seater neighbouring the highly-rated Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West has come onto formal dining room, also with a fireplace and the market, priced at R50 million plus VAT. a Maple-wood kitchen with a laundry/utility The 14 ha estate is on land that was por- room and a storeroom. Above this is a glass-entioned off when Vergelegen was sold in 1994. closed wine cellar along with a theatre room It includes a beautiful thatched Cape Dutch and additional storeroom. The left wing inManor House of almost 1 750 m², four guest cot- cludes the large main bedroom suite with a tages and a large stable – all designed in the dressing room and his and her bathrooms. style of the surrounding wine estates. The su- There are also a further five bedroom suites that open to balperior finishes conies and stuninclude high ning views. Also wooden doors, on the upper levdouble sash winel of this wing is dows with shuta spacious study ters and Yellowand secluded liwood floors and brary. To the side vaulted Parof the house is a navon-wood ceiltennis court. ings with brass A little dischandeliers in tance away, are the front recepthe four guest tion rooms. cottages; two “With the Helone-bedroomed derberg Moununits and two tains as a back- The manor house of the Cape Dutch farm in Somerset three-bedroomed drop and flanked West. units, all opening by the Lourens River, few properties can compare with the to stunning views. The large stable can accomscenic setting, stunning buildings and Oak- modate six horses and includes a tack room. treed gardens on offer,” says Seeff agent, Jane There is also a shed as well as garaging for ten vehicles. The estate is fully secured. The Steven. “While an ideal residential estate, it is also property further includes an 8ha plum ora rare opportunity for an investor looking for chard, currently leased out at around R22,000 a trophy Cape wine estate. The buildings offer per annum, says Steven. Surrounded by the majestic Hottentots Holeasy conversion to a boutique hotel with a restaurant and winery and tasting room. The gar- land Mountains and rolling vineyards, Somerdens are ideal for picnics, especially towards set West is regarded as one of the most scenic the river where there is also a lovely Lily villages in the country. Aside from producing award winning pond.” A long, Oak tree-lined driveway leads to the wines, these are a major draw-card for visitors manor house that is fronted by the tranquillity from across the globe and this property is an of a pond and the river. The typical H-design ideal investment opportunity for a buyer lookincludes a double-storey wing on either side ing to capitalise on this, concludes the agent.
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Buyers, how much should you offer? This is a question buyers ask all the time. And it’s a big one to answer, for it usually means the difference between securing the property you want, and losing it. The first, and the most important factor to consider is what you can afford. There is simply no point in offering more than you can afford as the long-term consequences outweigh any immediate benefit of purchasing a property. When considering what you can afford, it is best to obtain qualified assistance from a mortgage broker. They will look at your income and expenditure, and guide you on affordability. When you calculate this, also allow for increases in the primelending rate. It is best to factor in an interest rate increase of 2%. This is a comfortable buffer that should protect you from any nasty surprises. You then need to ensure you have sufficient cash available for your costs. These include transfer costs, attorney’s fees, bond registration costs, removal fees, and whatever you need to get your new property ready for occupation. So what exactly do you offer on the list price, assuming you have confirmed your ability to afford it? Some buyers mistakenly believe that they can work on a flat percentage, such as 10 or 20% below list price. This approach makes the assumption that every seller has slapped on 20% above market valuation. It’s the wrong assumption. Many sellers list at, or only slightly above market value. If they have been correctly advised by a professional estate agent they will know that correctly pricing their property will result in maximum buyer enquiry. When there is strong buyer
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interest then buyers make their best offer. It’s not unusual for a property to sell for full list price, or Talking property even slightly more. with Steve CaraAt Harcourts Plati- doc-Davies num we sell almost 1 in 5 of our listings at the full list price. So, what is the best way to determine what to pay then? Research. Buyers need to make an informed decision based on what they believe market value to be. The only way to do this is to know what’s on the market, and what has recently sold. Most buyers can tell within a few minutes of viewing a property what it’s actually worth. So, once you have determined this, you need to know if you are in competition with anyone else. Ask your agent if any offers have been submitted on the property. If you are competing against other buyers you will need to act swiftly. And you will need to make your best offer. You simply may not get another opportunity to offer at all. If there is no current competition for the property you can take the chance of starting slightly lower. But don’t be cheeky. This isn’t a market you can insult a seller in. Make a fair offer and see what the seller does. If you receive a counter-offer you will know what the bottom line is, and then you need to act to secure the sale. Remember that in a growing market what seems expensive today is outstanding value in a few months. So act quickly, but always within your financial limitations. Email your real estate question to steve.cd@harcourts.co.za. Steve Caradoc-Davies. Principal of Harcourts Platinum, and Director of Harcourts South Africa
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Capital gains elude home owners The ramifications and implications of South Africa’s Capital Gains Tax are these days fairly well understood by the business community and those with substantial assets, but the average home owner, says Bill Rawson, Chairman of the Rawson Property Group, quite often has never really investigated or got to grips with the act and has in his mind a number of erroneous conceptions regarding it. An important initial point to grasp, says Rawson, is that the ‘gain’ only becomes taxable once the asset is disposed of or following the death of the asset owner. “The Capital Gains Tax is not a tax, as some seem to think, which comes into force every two or three years following a revaluation of the property or asset.” Then, too, says Rawson, a distinction must be drawn between revenue and capital. Rent from a property or interest on savings are clearly revenue – but the sale of an asset which produces revenue might be regarded as a capital gain transaction. If the asset was acquired with the intention of making a profit, its proceeds would, obviously, be revenue, but if it was bought to provide accommodation or as a financial investment (e.g. JSE shares) it would count as capital. These distinctions seem fairly clear, says Rawson, but SARS have occasionally taken different stances here, leaving some of their clients confused. In general the onus lies on the tax payer to prove that certain sums are capital not revenue. Compiling this proof, adds Rawson, is always a worthwhile exercise because capital gains are generally taxed at a lower rate than revenue – and here the tax payer’s declared ‘intention’ in purchasing an asset is important. “In general,” says Rawson, “SARS have proved extremely reasonable and approachable, but it is certainly worth establishing the difference between revenue and capital gain early on, to keep tax to the minimum level.”
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Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland SOLD is die mees koste-effektiewe, hoë-impak keuse vir die bemarking van eiendom in die Boland
An historic Victorian House in Montagu.
District Mail – 021 841 4266
Montagu property on the rise, offers good value Surrounded by the towering Langeberg Mountains and nestled between the Keisie and Kingna Rivers in the western corner of Kannaland, the scenic village of Montagu is famous for its orchards, vineyards and Muscadel, local herbs, rock formations and healing hot mineral springs. It is also home to a stunning mix of country and historic homes (from Cape Dutch to Georgian, Neo-Gothic and Victorian) that is increasingly catching the eye of country and historic home buyers, says Seeff agent, Patruzchka Müller. With just over two hours’ drive from Cape Town, the village has become a popular getaway for Capetonians and visitors from the inland provinces while foreigners too are increasingly discovering the allure of the village, says the agent. Top class accommodation establishments, restaurants and activities such as the annual ‘Wacky Wine Weekend’ (5-8 June) all contribute to drawing thousands of visitors each year. The demand for property here has improved markedly over the last year with sales up by over 50%. In 2012 for example, only about 144 property transactions to the value of just over R55 million were recorded compared to 222, worth almost R73 million, last year. Aside from residential buyers, the growing influx of visitors has boosted the demand for weekend and country homes. The demand for tourism products such as hospitality establishments, art and boutique stores and restaurants have also boosted the demand for property and has of course increased business in the village, says Müller. A further boost has come from retirees who are opting for the good value and laid-back lifestyle as well as from an influx of new residents looking to swop urban with country living, she adds. The village is a real gem for buyers and the property value on offer is excellent, especially when compared to other towns across the Cape Winelands, she says. In Montagu for example, vacant plots sell for as little as R230 000 to R375 000 for about 500-700sqm. Small cottages start from as low as R500 000 to R950 000
while larger homes sell for upwards of R1,2 million. Historic properties are especially popular, not only for weekend homes or permanent residences, but for conversion to tourism products or business premises. These sell for upwards of just over R1,2 million for a small, two-bedroomed cottage to just under R3,5 million for a rare circa 1895 Victorian landmark homestead, beautifully restored, that is on the market for the first time. The property is located in the heart of the village and has served as the home of many ‘well to do’ residents over the years. It already has the market abuzz and the agent anticipates huge interest. The double-storey home is spacious at around 900sqm. While the interiors have been modernised, the character has been retained and the original finishes such as rare Oregon Pine windows, floors and open rafter Imbuia ceilings have been completely restored, says Müller. Additional finishes include lovely chandeliers and an imported vintage Pearl stove to keep the living areas warm during winter. A typical veranda stretches along the front and there are three dormer windows with Victorian trimmed gables set into the roof at the front end of the home. The home includes six bedroom suites. The living areas include a grand lounge, dining room, Oregon-wood country kitchen and an entertainment/braai room with French doors that open to a terrace around the swimming pool. There is also a pool room that can be converted to a gymnasium. The old attic (with an external staircase) has been revamped and includes two of the bedroom suites, lounge/family room, study and additional room suited for conversion to a library. The old stables have been converted to a spacious two-bedroomed apartment. The property further includes a double garage, laundry and store room. While an ideal find for residential or second home buyers, Müller says that the property offers wonderful conversion and development potential. Since it is so spacious and includes six bedroom suites, you could quite easily convert it to a guest house and restaurant and still live on the premises.
Eikestadnuus – 021 887 2840
Paarl Post – 021 870 4600
Biggest and Best Property guide in the Boland SOLD bied die grootste en maklikste toegang tot die mark vir eiendomkopers en -verkopers in die Boland.
021 841 4285 021 870 4600
021 887 2840
Nommerpas Lexus RX nou te koop QUICKPIC Die RX het die weg vir die weeldesportnuts in 1997 gebaan toe dié reeks destyds sy internasionale buiging gemaak en sedertdien een van die wêreld se suksesvolste kruismotors geword het. Trouens, die RX is los voor in Lexus-verkope in die VSA en oortref sy mees regstreekse Europese mededingers twee teen een. Die reeks geniet ook die onderskeiding dat dit die voertuig met die hoogste klantetevredenheidsindeks tot nog toe in die JD Powergehaltepeiling is. Danksy die filosofie dat “alles ingesluit” is, is ’n ruim skoot standaard-toerusting ’n absolute feit wanneer ’n mens na ’n Lexus op soek is, maar die RX350 Special Edition laat nie ’n enkele steen onaangeraak nie. Volgens Justin Ryan, hoofbestuurder van Lexus Suid-Afrika, is die RX350 Limited Edition ’n motor “wat die regte mengsel kenmerke en toerusting bied” wat die meeste kopers van hierdie motor wil hê. “Daarbenewens maak die jongste stileringsveranderings – veral die meer aggressiewe voorkant en dinamiese nuwe 19-duim-allooisierwiele – ’n duidelike stelling wat die RX sportiewer laat lyk. “Klein dog netjiese verfynings is aan die binnekant aan die beslag aangebring, veral die afstand-gemonteerde kontroleerder wat nou meer soos ’n rekenaarmuis werk. Lexus se aandag aan detail strek selfs tot die verlenging van die openingshoek van die middelkonsolekissie se deksel om dit makliker te maak om iets uit te haal – dít is nou wat ek weelde noem,” sê Ryan. Buiten die eienskappe van die reeds goed-toegeruste EX-weergawe, kry die nuwe spesiale weergawe die volgende bykomende toerusting: • Aanpasbare kopligstelsel (AFS)
Lexus se RX350 is nou beskikbaar in ’n nuwe spesiale beperkte uitgawe. ’n Rits opknappings is nou aan die verbruiker beskikbaar. FOTO: QUICKPIC – ten gunste van beter sig snags, veral op kronkelpaaie. Dié draaikopligte tesame met die hoëstraal-xenonligte (HID) draai die linker-koplig tot 15 grade en die regter-lig tot 10 grade wanneer die motor om ’n draai ry, en help om ’n groter deel van die pad te belig. Kopligwassers is deel van die standaard-toerusting. • Elektronies-verstelbare stuurkolom met geheuewerking. • Ligdiode-drumpelplate. • Deurspieëls – nou met geheuewerking. Selfs die EX-model het outomatiese voubare hulsels met outomatiese verdowwing as deel van die standaard-eienskappe. • Sykant-monitor – miniatuur-ka-
mera wat in die deurspieël aan die passasierskant ingebou is, stuur videobeelde na die voertuig se middelkonsole-skerm. Iets wat geniaal is, is dat die kamera bly werk selfs wanneer die spieëls weggevou word om deur ’n nou gaping te wikkel. Die kantspieël-monitor word deur ’n skakelaar aan die stuurwiel geaktiveer. • Bamboesbeslag vir die kajuit. Stroke sy-gladde bamboes-houtafwerking versier die stuurwiel (’n kombinasie van hout en leer), die binnekante van die deure en die instrumentepaneel en bekerhouer se afwerking, en is die volmaakte fokuspunt vir die bottersagte pikswart leer oor al die opgestopte op-
pervlakke, wat die middelkonsoleboks insluit. Neem asseblief kennis dat die voorste sitplekke nie net ingeboude verwarmers het nie, maar ook ingeboude lugverkoeling sowel as geheuewerking vir die verskillende verstellings aan al twee kante. • Weerkaatsende vertoonskerm – dié stelsel skyn eenvoudige navigasieaanwysings, klankstelsel-inligting en die voertuig se spoed teen die voorruitglas sodat die bestuurder makliker op die pad kan fokus en minder hoef af te kyk. En anders as in die geval van ander stelsels sluit dit ook ’n afstand-aftelling en rigtingpyl in wat die bestuurder deur draaie lei. • Mark Levinson-klankstelsel met
15 luidsprekers – die kern van die stelsel se super-verrigting is nie minder nie as 15 luidsprekers, wat elk doelgerig vir die spesifieke akoestiese eienskappe van, en ligging in, die binneruim ontwikkel is. Die klankstelsel bied volmaakte 7.1-kanaal-klank reg rondom vir jou gunsteling-CD, -DVD of musiek deur jou selfoon of MP3-speler. Deurslaggewende unieke verkoopspunte van die Lexus RX-reeks: • Twee enjinkeuses (3.5 V6 en Hibried-elektries) en driemodelreeks – RX 350 EX, RX 350 Special Edition en RX 450 SE. • Hersiene stilering wat onlangs verfris is vir sterker voorkant-stilering met die bekende Lexus-uurglassierrooster en L-Finessse-ontwerpkenmerke, met ’n hersiene binneruim en ’n groter keuse in kleure en beslagafwerking, ’n nuwe instrumentepaneel en die tweede generasie van Lexus se afstand-gemonteerde raakvlakstelsel. • Nuwe 19”-allooisierwiele vir die RX 350 EX. • 3.5FV6-verrigtingskenmerke – 204 kW @ 6 200 r/min en 346 Nm @ 4 700 r/min (0-100 km/h in agt sekondes met ’n gemiddelde verbruik van 10,6F/100 km) • Hibried-verrigtingseienskappe – 220 kW algehele verrigting vir die 3.5F-V6-petrolenjin met twee elektriese hoëverrigtingmotors (0-100 km/h in 7,8 sekondes/gemiddelde verbruik van 6,3F/100 km) Pryse en waarborg RX 350 EX R684 200 RX 350 Special Edition R724 000 RX 450h SE R869 000 Alle Lexus RX-modelle word gedek deur ’n waarborg van vier jaar/100 000 km en diensplan (Lexus Distance Plan Plus vir die RX 350modelle en Lexus Distance Plan Complete vir die RX 450h). Besoek www.lexus.co.za, bel 08611 Lexus of sluit aan by Lexus op Facebook by www.facebook.com/LexusSouthAfrica vir nog inligting of om ’n toetsrit te bespreek.
18 Ford’s Figo Concept shows new vision Donderdag 3 Julie, 2014
QUICKPIC Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) are giving motorists a glimpse of its vision for a new global B-segment compact in the form of the Ford Figo Concept. The car will be shown at the inaugural Go Further event in Johannesburg on 17 July 2014. Highlighting premium design along with smart styling and safety, the concept vehicle gives an indication of the design language to be used in a future version of the popular Figo. It has also been confirmed that a production version of the Figo Concept is planned for South African and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) markets, although details and specifications have
yet to be confirmed. Ford aims to set new standards for quality and craftsmanship in the B-segment, aimed at exceeding the expectations of consumers in emerging markets. Building on Ford’s compact-car offerings, the Figo Concept illustrates how Ford plans to face growing global demand for compact vehicles. Despite its rapid growth, the compact car segmentwillremainhighlycompetitiveasincreasingly savvy buyers look for ways to make their money go further. With the goal of bringing unprecedented levels of refinement to the compact car segment, designers created the Ford Figo Concept, using design elements usually found in more expensive vehicles. Smart features like electrically adjustable power-fold mirrors are practical, helping to re-
move the stress of driving through a busy and congested environment. The mirrors also have a flexible architecture that prevents them from being broken off if bumped by another car or motor-cycle. Ford also designed the Ford Figo Concept to feature unprecedented levels of safety for its class, further enhancing peace of mind for its drivers. On the inside, the spacious cabin is filled with innovative stowage spaces. The Figo Concept also offers inventive features that bring the promise of tomorrow’s technologies to compact vehicles. With an innovative device dock, the Figo Concept introduces a new way to store, mount and charge mobile phones, MP3 players and satellite navigation systems, seamlessly integrating them with the in-car entertainment system.
SOLD AUTO BOLAND
With the goal of bringing unprecedented levels of refinement to the compact-car segment, designers created the Ford Figo Concept using design elements usually limited to more expensive vehicles PHOTO: QUICKPIC
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Save a life with these tips • Don’t use your mobile phone whilst driving: Making or receiving a call, even using a “hands free” phone, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to an accident. • Belt up in the back: In a collision, an unbelted rear passenger can kill or seriously injure the driver or a front seat passenger. • Don’t drink and drive: Any alcohol, even a small amount, can impair your driving, so be a safe driver don’t drink and drive. • Slow down: At 60 km/h you are twice as likely to injure or kill a pedestrian than at 50 km/h. • Children: Children often act impulsively, so take extra care outside schools, near buses and ice cream vans. • Take a break: Tiredness is thought to be a major factor in more than 10% of road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every two hours on a long journey. • Walk safely: When crossing a road always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one nearby. Help others to see you by wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing in poor light conditions. • Anticipate: Observe and anticipate other road users’ actions and use your mirrors regularly. • Use car seats: Child and baby seats should be fitted properly and checked every trip. • Keep your distance: Always keep a two-second gap between you and the car in front.
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