Selling secrets for the warmer months

Oct 26, 2021 11:36:45 PM Share this:

The weather is warming up and Spring is in full swing. Despite South Africa being a relatively warmer winter nation, it still feels as if we hibernate during the colder months. Thankfully Harcourts experienced unprecedented growth this past year so we are expecting even more activity in the real estate market in the coming months. Summer is approaching fast and if you are thinking of selling this summer, here are a few insider secrets.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Real Estate Agents, Information on buying and selling, Harcourts Real Estate, Buying and Selling

Selling in Spring?

Aug 13, 2021 7:34:20 PM Share this:

Spring not only exemplifies the concept of - new, it also is a great time to sell your home.  Are you a homeowner who is thinking about selling your home in the next couple of months? Well, Spring offers many sellers a unique market opportunity as the season's change, especially into a warmer climate, signalling the start of increased buyer activity.


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Topics: Selling, Buying, Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, Spring selling season

South Africa's Real Estate Market Half Year Update

Jul 27, 2021 6:50:21 PM Share this:

The past month's COVID Level 4 restrictions have undoubtedly impacted the economy and real estate market. The general feeling is that in most metros real estate activity remained buoyant and activity is on the increase, but we will have to analyse the data in the coming weeks to come to a true market identification.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Real Estate Agents, Market Value, Harcourts Real Estate, Harcourts Values

Level 4 lockdown will impact real estate market

Jun 29, 2021 1:07:58 AM Share this:

Following the President's announcement yesterday evening that the country will move to Lockdown Level 4, as the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic intensifies, we as Harcourts South Africa have already put structures in place to protect both our agents and clients to the highest degree.


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Topics: Richard Gray, Real Estate Agents, Information on buying and selling, COVID-19, Virtual Tour, Virtual Inspection

The human factor in modern real estate

Jun 10, 2021 10:23:22 PM Share this:

It often seems as if every day there is a new app, a new technological feat, a new digital advancement being introduced into the global real estate market. It is often difficult to discern between the necessary and unnecessary. At Harcourts, we have invested hours upon hours developing strategies and we are very proud of our achievements and service offerings in the tech space and are happy to say that we lead the real estate market in certain aspects of the technological world.


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Topics: Technology, Richard Gray, Real Estate Agents, Information on buying and selling, Harcourts Real Estate, COVID-19

Evolving and adapting to the current economic climate

Jan 14, 2021 9:29:14 PM Share this:

The new year has come and with it new challenges. We're still in the wake of 2020 and with the current restrictions, many businesses remain under pressure. The real estate industry continued to work through a lot of the difficulties facing in the industry. Thankfully, in some regions, the market is highly active and sales have improved beyond previous years. How do we navigate the foreseeable future and adapt enough so we can sustain and grow our business?


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Topics: Real Estate Agents, Estate agent training, Innovative technology, Harcourts Real Estate, COVID-19

Can we determine true market value?

Nov 6, 2020 12:14:26 AM Share this:

Determining the true value of a property is one of the most crucial components of any transaction in the real estate industry. The entire valuation process comprises of various factors which ultimately lead to an accurate property valuation.

Is the true value of a property subjective?
Valuing real estate is a very particular process, due to the fact that each property possesses unique features, which are specific to that property; including location, erf size, floor plan and layout, as well as additional amenities. In addition, local knowledge and understanding of the market by the estate agent responsible for the valuation is paramount. An agent with an acute insight into their local market more accurately assess market value than that of an agent who does not understand the trends related to that region.

Unlike most commodities that are used quickly, the advantages of property are typically recognised over a certain amount of time. This also means that determining a property’s fair market value should take into account both economic and social trends, as well as legislative regulations and environmental factors which may affect the overall valuation; while general industry principles such as supply and demand will undoubtedly influence an individual property's value from a holistic perspective.

Although the valuation process is clinical by nature, homeowners will naturally have attached sentiments to their current property. A good real estate agent will also be able to keep this in mind to ensure that the final valuation is worth the homeowner’s while from a personal perspective.

In essence, a home is worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept. However, an experienced real estate specialist who works with both buyers and sellers in the current real estate market is not only able to access accurate data but also see two sides of the same coin. As a result, this insight allows them to decide best how to assess the true value of a property.

Connect with us on social media to share your thoughts on determining true market value.


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Topics: Selling, Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, Market Value

How buyers can gain leverage in a seller’s market

Oct 13, 2020 1:17:54 AM Share this:

Many areas are experiencing a hot real estate market and have shifted to a seller’s market. This is despite the COVID-19 pandemic or perhaps because of it, as well as the subsequent record low-interest rates. While current conditions are prime for sellers, they can make the process more challenging for property buyers. Navigating a seller's market can seem daunting for prospective buyers, however, they can still position themselves for success and zero in on their ideal property. 


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Topics: Buying, Richard Gray, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate, First time homeowner, COVID-19

Proptech industry propelled into action during COVID-19 pandemic

Oct 5, 2020 10:28:02 PM Share this:

The Proptech, or property technology industry, is experiencing a massive push by the coronavirus pandemic, with companies implementing and investigating technology-backed solutions to combat ongoing challenges. The proptech value chain as a whole has always depended on whether the country is equipped to transition into a more technologically-driven system, however, COVID-19 didn’t lend itself to choice.  


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Topics: Richard Gray, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate, COVID-19, Proptech

Real Estate, a major industry offering constant working opportunities

Sep 25, 2020 9:31:03 PM Share this:

Real estate is a major industry and an everlasting commodity, offering vast sales opportunities. While change is a constant occurrence in the property market, and 2020 has brought its fair share, the industry itself will always remain relevant. For people considering a career in real estate, the future of the realm as a whole provides real promise. The sector continues to guarantee a ‘hereafter’, despite challenges due to the pandemic.


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Topics: Careers, Richard Gray, Harcourts South Africa, harcourts careers, Real Estate Agents