BE THOROUGH WHEN HUNTING FOR HOMES

BEING fully aware of the pros and cons of the area in which you are considering buying property is extremely important. The reason is that a house is not just a home but also an investment.

These are the first words from the mouth of Dormehl Phalane Property Group's Roy Erasmus when asked to offer advice to potential house buyers about what they should be considering before buying.

When scouting an area for possible investment in property, potential buyers should be aware of things like the nearest schools and shops, the travelling distance to work and so on, adds Roy, who is principal of Dormehl Phalane Property Group (DPPG) in Estcourt, where he has been involved in the world of real estate for 46 years.

"Being aware of the affordability of rates, levies, school fees and other expenses/facilities in the area will also assist the buyer in their decision- making," explains Roy, whose franchise, at 107 Lorne Street in Estcourt, took the DPPG award for Franchisee of the Year 2017.

"Once they have settled on a house they want to buy, potential buyers should ensure that they check all structural features of the home - for example, look for possible wall cracks and rising damp issues.

"They should open and close all taps, flush all toilets, to ensure they are working properly. Also, check gutters, fascia boards and the roof structure for possible leaks, and/or water damage."

Information about the house's geyser - such as its age and make - and the placement of the drip tray, should also be sought, says Roy, who believes it is imperative that a potential buyer ask as many questions as possible before signing on the dotted line.

Another important thing a potential buyer should request, says Roy, is the reason the seller is keen to sell.

Natashee Henn, co-director of Dormehl Phalane Property Group's Vaal franchise based in Vanderbijlpark, warns prospective property buyers to thoroughly check out a neighbourhood before making an offer on a home there.

"For instance, are the surroundings safe? Do the neighbors look normal (ha ha)? If there is a park near the home, will you still be interested? If the neighbors run a business from home, will you be willing to live with the constant traffic?"

She suggests one also looks at things like: does the stove work if it is included with the sale? If it is not in a working condition, it should be discussed with the seller. 

Natashee also suggests checking for any extras that will add to monthly expenses on a new home - for instance a pool with a pump and an electric garage, both of which crank up an electricity bill. 

"Make sure that you will be able to afford those extra costs, it as well as the general upkeep," she says.

When it comes to checking for cracks, or painted-over cracks, in a home, Natashee advises prospective buyers to ask their agent if a builder can be brought in to evaluate these cracks. 

The builder will be able to tell if the problem is severe or not.

"Sellers are supposed to reveal all the 'faults' of a property, but sometimes it does not happen. So look for damp on a wall, or any pests that you will have to keep under control. If there is an alarm, ask if it is working or not. And look for a prepaid electricity meter - as we all benefit from those."

She says that if someone views a house with a stove, electric motor, fans, air-conditioners and the like, always ask what is included in the sales price - and make sure your agent lists these on the offer to purchase. There should always be an 'excluding' and 'including' section, she emphasies.

Pet-owners should be sure they can have pets if a home is under sectional title.

"Get a copy of the rules before you buy in any estate/sectional title complex," says Natashee.