First time buyers would therefore find that apartments for sale are way more affordable than a house, and because it is smaller, maintenance will also be cheaper and easier.

In many instances you might find it easier to let an apartment than a house. The reason for this is because apartments are generally smaller and easier to maintain. While looking for apartments for sale, remember to look out for a few things. Most importantly you have to find out what the levies are in the specific complex that you are buying.

Levies pay for the general maintenance and improvement of the complex. A neat, safe and tidy complex will add value to your property should you want to sell later on. This makes the property more attractive to potential tenants.  Other things to look out for include the following:

• Is the complex situated in a descent area?
• How secure is the complex and the specific apartment in question?
• How old is the complex?
• Is the complex central to amenities?
• What restrictions are there e.g. are pets allowed?
• Check for any structural issues e.g. damp

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The economic slump compelled a lot of estate agents to close their doors. While a small independent estate agent is not necessarily a bad choice and can sometimes be less expensive, it is important that your estate agent should have a sound track record. It might be a good idea to do some research on the internet for a reputable company. You can use a sole agency or multiple agencies, but remember to keep the costs of using more than one agent in mind.

While driving around your area, be on the lookout for agents boards. Prominent advertising is often a sign that the estate agent would be serious about marketing your property. Also have a look at the agent’s website to get a good idea of their professionalism and practice methods. A consumer friendly website that is easy to use and answer your questions is a great place to start. If the site is updated regularly it is also a good sign.

Make a list of a few estate agents that you would like to meet. Arrange a meeting or visit their offices and ask them about their values, experience and focus. Enquire about their fees, how the payments are structured and what type of services you can expect from rental management. Compare the fees of estate agents but beware of deciding on an agent only based on fees. They should also confirm whether they do stringent credit checks such as; TPN (Tenant Profile Network) report, Verify employment, contact previous landlord and review their bank statements.

When you are happy that you found a suitable agent, make an appointment for them to view the property and proceed with advertising. A good agent will be able to guide you on how much rent you can expect and who the most suitable tenants would be. The terms and conditions of the lease should be stipulated in a contract, anything agreements made verbally or outside of the contract must be annexed in writing to the lease agreement and signed by all parties. Make sure you understand everything before you sign the contract. Keep your copy in a safe place.

Communication is key in ensuring you get the best value for your money. Make sure that you stay informed about the progress. Do not contact the agent every day demanding an update, but ensure that you are informed about the developments and that your payments are received on a regular basis as stipulated in your contract.

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When you are certain you want to buy the house, you and the seller must sign an offer to purchase. The offer to purchase contains the terms and conditions of the sale of the property. You will need this document to apply for a bond at a bank. Apply at more than one institution to make sure you get the best deal. You can take care of this action yourself or use the services of a bond originator. A bond originator can negotiate with banks on your behalf to ensure you get the preferred offer and interest rate. The registration process can take about six to eight weeks. Once the bank has approved your loan, they will ask the bond attorney to register a mortgage bond.

At this stage the seller will ask the transferring attorney to transfer the property. The attorney will contact the bank to obtain the title deed and cancellation figures. The municipality will also be contacted to ask for a statement of rates and taxes. The transferring attorney will call the bond attorney to request the draft deed of transfer and the guarantee requirements. Upon receiving the guarantee of the outstanding amount the cancellation attorney will be requested to cancel the seller’s home loan. The cancellation attorney will also request you and the seller to sign the transfer documents for the house for sale. You will now have to pay the transfer costs – the transfer attorney will then pay the transfer duty, rates and taxes.

At this stage the bond attorney will be accountable for lodging the mortgage documents at the deeds office. The office will usually take up to three weeks to issue the rates of clearance after all the documents are lodged by the attorneys.

Finally, the bank will pay out the loan on the day of registration in accordance with the guarantees issued. The transfer attorney will usually call you at this stage to confirm that you are now the owner of the property!

The bank will also inform you about your monthly repayments which will be paid with a monthly debit order.

You might feel inundated by all the necessary procedures. Most banks and home loan institutions will be happy to provide advice and assistance. Contact them regularly and make sure you know how the process is moving along.

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The following documents are required from the applicant for the screening process:

• A  copy of their most recent payslip
• If they have been employed for less than 3 months they must submit a letter of appointment or their employment contract
• They must also provide you with 3 months bank statements
• A copy of their ID but if they only have a passport, they must attach proof of residence or work permit

Perform a TPN (Tenant Profile Network) check, this will show the applicant’s credit history as well as their behavioural history as a tenant.  Check the bank statements for affordability i.e. income vs expenses. Contact the applicant’s previous landlord and also his work to verify employment. The tenant must pay the first month’s rent plus a deposit, which is the equivalent of one month’s rent. The money must show in your bank account before handing over the keys. If they pay cash into the bank account, advise them that they are responsible for the 1% cash deposit fee. The deposit needs to be kept in an interest bearing trust account according to law.

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Distinction, privacy and security; these 176 sectional title apartments are ideal investment opportunities for discerning buyers and investors. Woodlands Gardens is a perfect buy to let development. Situated on Bellairs Drive, in the heart of Northriding; Woodlands Gardens Security Estate is centrally located, within 4km of Monte Casino, Fourways Mall, Life Fourways Hospital and The Coca Cola Dome. Easily accessible and within 4km of Randburg and 9km of Sandton City, making this a desirable address and a sound investment. It is also situated close to the N3 and N4 highways. Woodlands Gardens is situated close to Prichard Road, and ideally Fourways Mall, The Coca Cola Dome and Monte Casino. This is the perfect complex for singles, as well as young couples, or couples starting out. The stylish 2 bedroom ground and first floor apartments are fitted with a spacious Kitchen and living area, and fairly large bathroom. Phase 1 of Woodlands Gardens Security Estate will be ready for occupation as of September 2010. This is one of the places you want to live! A river runs through the complex and there is a lot of grass for kids to play on. Security comprises of 24 hour guards and electric fencing all around the complex, making anyone feel safe enough for a good night’s rest. The complex is close to Witkoppen Road and Malibongwe, which lead to N1 and R28 major highways. The Bellairs Mall is down the road, and ideal for when one needs to pop in for bread and milk. Be the first to move in to a newly-built, stylish complex. First people will be able to choose between first floor apartments with a large balcony or ground floor apartments with a garden. GROUND AND FIRST FLOOR APARTMENTS: Two Bedroom, One Bathroom Ground and First Floor apartments situated in a brand new and centrally located Security Estate. These spacious 65sqm apartments (including balcony/patio) comprise of two bedrooms, one bathroom with a bath, basin and toilet, an open plan Kitchen with cherry wood cupboards, white melamine shelving and a breakfast nook and a spacious and open plan Lounge that opens onto a large and private patio or balcony. RENTAL AND SALES PRICES: Ground and First Floor 2 bedroom apartments in Woodlands Gardens are available; FOR RENT: R5 600 FOR SALE: R599 000 CONTACT OUR AGENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION: REESE MEYBURGH – 076 303 2417 reese@etchellsandyoung.co.za

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Etchells & Young Giving Back with Rays of Hope

Follow this link for Rays of Hope

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RENTAL AGENT POSITION:

We have a large number of complexes as well as individual rental properties on our books at any given time.

E & Y is the Rental & Management Leader in acquiring new complexes where we are assigned as the primary agents by the developers.
Established Commission structure

1. Top agents –Higher commission structure- up to R50 000p/m
2. Standard commission structure

Very supportive infrastructure:

• Established Systems & Procedures
• Dedicated Admin staff
• Sophisticated  IT rental management system
• Agent’s own workstation
• Office utilities and facilities
• Leading Edge Technology

Advertising

• Very strong marketing and advertising in-house team
• Tweak  marketing strategies on a daily basis
• Weekly – 9  local Newspapers  in Gauteng
• 14 strong websites + E & Y website
• Flyers
• Billboards
• Boards
• Teardrops
• Promotion team
• E-notices
• Big tenant database (up to 10 000 calls/month)
• Client Competition Prizes
• Trailer Advertising

Brilliant Training

• We develop our people to their full potential
• Quality In-house as well as field training
• Continuous training in business and personal development
• Updated information in accordance to the EAAB

Recognition

• An Annual Awards Evening
• Ongoing Agent Competition Prizes

The whole  package

Our Rental Management Services is very comprehensive and therefore attract owners to use the E&Y Agents for rentals.

Our Business Practices run parallel with the SA Property & Labour Legislation.
We Conduct our business with high levels of Trust, Fairness and Honesty.

SALES AGENT POSITION:

Why Sellers choose Etchells and Young

We have unlimited potential buyers from our large Tenant Database ( from the Rental advertising )

We have potential buyers from our large Investor Database ( from the Rental Management )

We do aggressive marketing and advertising, including Virtual Tours

We provide professional in-house multi listing systemketing material

We have a unique  within Etchells & Young

Our Agents are motivated by a higher commission structure for the top achievers

Professional training is provided for the Sales Agents

Only Qualified Agents in possession of a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate will be considered.
Please send your CV to or call 011 791 5134. etchellsandyoung@global.co.za

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