We live in an age where technology have made some jobs obsolete while others are listed as threatened. Hearing that in the US there are some agencies that use robots to show properties to clients could have one worried that the estate agent is also slated to go the way of the milkman, but property leaders say no.
Topics: Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate, Artificial Intelligence
2018 was a challenging year for the South African property market, but so far 2019 is looking more positive.
Rhys Dyer, CEO of ooba, says: "Property market activity and resultant price growth continue to be hampered by political uncertainty and economic constraints. Uncertainty around impending land reforms as well as an increase in the prime lending rate to 10.25% in November probably contributed to the slowing property growth in the last quarter of 2018."
Topics: Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, Ooba, First time homeowner
Almost 72,000 single women bought residential properties in South Africa last year, according to the research group Lightstone.
This makes them the largest single group of property buyers in South Africa - bigger than married couples or single men.
However, single women are still buying cheaper homes compared to the other groups.
Topics: Real Estate Agents, South African Markets, Harcourts Real Estate, Property Statistics in South Africa
With the EAAB (Estate Agency Affairs Board) clamping down on agents trading in the real estate industry who have not renewed or ever applied for their Fidelity Fund Certificates (FFC), as well as disqualifying agents for noncompliance with their Continuing Professional Development, it is now more important than ever to insist on continuous training as an essential part of operating within this industry.
Topics: Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, Estate Agent, Estate agent training
Despite the industry experiencing a decline in year on year sales, March 2019 was Harcourts South Africa's best month since Harcourts started in South Africa in 2009. Boasting 10% growth on the same month last year. In addition, Harcourts South Africa's first quarter was up 11% on the same period in 2018.
Topics: Richard Gray, Harcourts International, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Growth, Harcourts Real Estate
Whether you’re looking for your first home or thinking about an investment property or holiday home, the following steps will help you achieve a successful result.
Arrange your finance
Take a good look at how much you will be able to save as a deposit, or how much equity there is in your existing property/ies if you have one.
Topics: Buying, Finance, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate
Buying a new home often means moving to a new suburb, city or even country. It may be a new location you chose simply because you loved it, or it maybe it’s where you need to be for work or family. Whatever the reason for your change in location, it can be a little daunting finding ways to get to know the neighbourhood and have it start feeling like home.
Topics: Buying, Real Estate Agents, Harcourts Real Estate
When your property first enters the market as a new listing, this is the time it will receive the most interest and enquiry. We call this your premium price opportunity. At Harcourts we believe it is all in the preparation. We can advise you on possible improvements that could increase the value of your property and will have completed through research to help you establish an expectation of price. We will make sure we have prepared every detail of our marketing strategy ready to launch your property to the market at its best during this critical time.
Topics: Property Markets, Real Estate Agents, Buyers and Sellers, Harcourts Real Estate
Home sellers need to take special care now not to expose themselves to the possibility of having to pay a ‘double commission’ when their properties are sold.
Topics: Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, Buyers and Sellers, estate agent commission, Harcourts Real Estate
Selling a property is one of the most significant financial moves you will ever make, and it is vital you get the best possible price, whether it’s your home, a rental property or even a business or commercial property.
The way to do this is to understand the property market and current trends in your area, who your potential buyers are likely to be and how best to market to them.
Topics: Real Estate Agents, Buyers and Sellers, Choose Harcourts