Buying Tips

Whether you're buying or renting a home, here are some useful tips:

Decide beforehand on a few likely locations that you'd like to live in. Take into account things like the distance to work places, schools and places that you visit frequently with your family's lifestyle in mind.

How large a home do you need? Have you thought about the next couple of years - are members of your family likely to move in or out? How many bedrooms do you need? Where do you and your family spend most time?

Would you like the advantage of a swimming pool, tennis courts and other condominium type facilities? Or, would you prefer to join a recreation club and enjoy a wider variety of leisure?

Are shops, banks, markets within a short distance away?

Once you've decided on a location and size of home that you'd like, think about how much you'll be willing to spend. Bear in mind other monthly expenses that come with owning or renting a home. If you're buying, talk to two or three banks and discuss a financial plan that you're comfortable with.

Ask to see a number of units that will suit your requirements and your budget. Its best to view about four homes in a day and certainly no more than five. The idea here is so that you can still remember the first unit that you saw. Bringing along a note pad is a good idea so that you can jot down relevant facts and also aid you in your final decision.

Before you enter any prospective home, always take note of the surrounding areas. Don't forget, you can always redecorate the interior of a home but there's no way you can change the surroundings! Also, don't be distracted by a home that looks just the way you would have liked, get carried away and forget to check for things like cracked tiles and fittings that don't work.

Once you feel you're comfortable with a home - go for it! Remember, you're not the only one looking around for a home. By all means don't rush into making a hasty decision but, if you don't decide soon, some one else will!

Always remember that no matter how many homes you look at, there's no way they're going to be 100% perfect. It's best to have an open mind and be prepared to adjust your expectations a little.

Selling Tips

If your property is for sale or rent, please read these helpful tips. It will make the transaction a more pleasant experience for all of us.

The first impression is important. Whether it is a landed property or apartment, clear the outside areas and remove any unsightly items.

Within the house, get rid of cracked plaster, loose door knobs and try to give stained walls a paint touch-up.

Remove all unnecessary boxes, old furniture and other junk. This will give the impression of the property being more spacious and besides, when you move, you're not bringing all that with you, are you?

Check the bathrooms especially for stained tiles and leaky pipes.

Loud noises distract. Keep radios and televisions off during the viewing. Eliminate any possible distraction of the buyer.

At night, switch on all the lights so as to create a cheerful impression, few people like a dark home. 

Some people are uneasy around animals and they may distract the buyer's attention. If you have pets, it's suggested they be kept out of the way. 

Buyers usually ask many questions when being shown through the house. If you have a real estate agent, your immediate presence isn't required at the viewing. If you insist on following the potential buyer around, do not discuss terms, price, etc. Leave the details to your agent. 

Keep your home cool, either by switching on the air-conditioning or fans. Nothing frustrates a buyer more than a hot home. 

Last of all, remember that effective negotiating requires being prompt. If a reasonable offer is presented, it is wise to negotiate immediately, it may never be repeated. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.