For traditional agents, it’s all about redefining the meaning of value

Mar 2, 2020 11:00:00 AM Share this:

Digital disruption, coupled with the rapid, ongoing evolution of the real estate industry and property market, has meant that today’s real estate agents – particular those operating with the so-called traditional commission-based fee model – have to contend with a host of new competitive challenges. In order to be consistently successful, they need to step up to meet these challenges with a whole new set of skills and deliver a value proposition which meets the demands of modern consumers.


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Topics: Tips for Agents, Real Estate Agents, Buyers and Sellers, Harcourts Real Estate

5 tips on becoming a good rental agent

Feb 10, 2020 11:00:00 AM Share this:

Renting is the smart financial choice for many consumers, but a ‘difficult’ landlord can easily make it feel like the wrong choice, and cause tenants to leave as soon as they possibly can.

On the other hand, says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet Properties, landlords who are able to establish a good working relationship with their tenants will have a much easier time when it comes to organizing any repairs necessary and retaining those tenants or showing the property to prospective new tenants.


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Topics: Rental Market, Tips for Agents, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate

Biggest mistakes sellers make

Feb 3, 2020 11:00:00 AM Share this:

All indications are that it will remain a buyer’s market for a while longer, yet your new client insist on putting a premium price on their beloved family home. Overpricing is one of the biggest mistakes that sellers make, here are a few more with some expert advice on what to do.


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Topics: Selling, Buying, Tips for Agents, Harcourts Real Estate

How to take great listing photos

Jan 27, 2020 11:00:00 AM Share this:

Make sure your listing photos are eye-catching. Traditionally property sales start to pick in springtime, but if your online listing photos aren’t eye-catching then you might just lose out on a potential sale as homebuyers scroll by your posts. Here are top tips on how to have the best listing photos.

First impressions count. Most homebuyers today turn to the internet to search for their dream home and research shows you have only seconds to grab their attention, so make sure the first shot shows off the home at its best angle.  Make sure the view is not obstructed by cars or walls. The property should also appear well looked after – lawn or yard kept and tidy which means no toys lying around, weeds pulled, walls painted and in case there is one, swimming pool sparkling.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Tips for Agents, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate

Tips for agents who want to be at the top of their game

Jan 20, 2020 11:00:00 AM Share this:

Rising municipal rates, fuel price hikes, high unemployment rates and uncertainty over high crime rates and corruption in state entities all make for a challenging sell for real estate agents. Yet, property sales and rental agents can be at the top of their game in securing client loyalty, leases and sales.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Tips for Agents, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate

3 mistakes empty nesters make when downsizing their home

Jun 3, 2019 10:00:00 AM Share this:

Real estate professionals will tell you that the average family will move once every five to ten years. This is usually to accommodate a family’s changing needs as their family grows. Often one of the last moves a family makes is from their large family home with multiple bedrooms down to a two- or one-bedroom home that houses the last two that remain: the parents. 


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Topics: Harcourts South Africa, Tips for Agents, downsizing your home

Countering the rise of property scammers

Jun 12, 2018 11:46:43 PM Share this:

Countering the rise of property scammers

The threat to the property market by fraudsters and scammers is very real and it seems the culprits are becoming increasingly advanced. The age of technology presents many with the opportunity to improve their business growth and market penetration. However, the evolution of technology continues to present fraudsters with more abundant opportunities to scam innocent people out of their hard earned cash.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, Tips for Agents, Real Estate Agents, Scam Alert

The emotional side of the property market

Feb 19, 2018 11:00:00 AM Share this:

The property market is often overshadowed by the investment intentions of sellers and buyers, forgetting the emotional aspect of purchasing a home for you and your family. The nostalgia many of us carry with us about our childhood home is often a major factor when buyers gravitate toward a suburb or particular home.


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Topics: Harcourts South Africa, Tips for Agents, Property Markets

The five essential marketing tools to sell your property

Jan 8, 2018 11:00:00 PM Share this:

The decision to sell is made, but how do you ensure potential buyers know your house could be their dream home? Here are five top marketing tools to help you get the best possible result for your sale.


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Topics: Tips for Agents

5 tips for a healthy work-life balance in the demanding world of real estate

May 22, 2017 10:00:00 AM Share this:

As a sales consultant, it is important to know when to say “when”, and to maintain a balance that ensures you sustain your health and personal life,  as well as your passion for real estate!


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Topics: Balance, work, Tips for Agents