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Filter: Property
The when, what and how of estate agent commission

12 October 2021

We’ve put our house in the market and have an estate agent that is helping us sell our property. However,... we have also told our friends that we are selling should anyone know of an interested buyer. But what happens if we get a buyer independent from our estate agent? Must we still pay agent’s commission?

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372
Article
Can I institute legal action on behalf of my body corporate?

07 June 2019

I live in a sectional title that used to have beautiful common property areas. The last year or two though,... owners have been causing damage to these garden areas and walkways and the body corporate is doing nothing to stop it. Can I take legal action against the owners that are causing the damage or can only the body corporate do something?

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393
Article
Is BEE compliance a legal requirement for estate agents?

08 August 2018

I run a small estate agency in town. I’ve recently listened to a radio discussion that implied estate agencies will... also have to be BEE compliant and get a BEE certificate. Is this true? I’m a small agency and cannot imagine that BEE compliance would be applicable to my business?

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349
Article
The pros and cons of co-ownership

12 July 2018

A friend and I are considering buying a house together as an investment property. I’m quite keen but she is... a bit worried about how it will work and if it’s a good idea. Can you give some guidance on what the pros and cons might be of jointly owning the property?

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340
Article
What safety requirements must my swimming pool comply with?

14 December 2016

I’m contemplating building a small swimming pool in my yard. I’ve heard that you are supposed to have your swimming... pool fenced off. Is that true?

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371
Article
Sectional title levy increases you can expect

14 December 2016

My body corporate has warned that due to recent changes in the sectional title legislation we should be expecting higher... than normal levy increases. I live on a tight budget and this news has me very worried. Is it true that my levies will increase or is the body corporate just making this up?

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444
Article
Application of the National Credit Act to property instalment sale agreements

09 November 2016

A buyer is interested in buying my flat. Her bank is not prepared to give her a loan because she... is paying off a few personal loans, but she is prepared to enter into an instalment sale agreement to pay the purchase price in instalments over a period of time, much like a rental. I like the idea of at least getting a monthly income, but I am worried whether I can do this and charge interest on the instalments, particularly as it will take a few years for her to pay the price in full?

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380
Article
Don’t forget about the gas certificate when selling your house

07 October 2016

I am in the process of selling my house. I have a permanent gas oven in the house and the... transferring attorney is saying I need to get a gas compliance certificate for the gas appliance. Is this necessary, and should the buyer not be responsible for this?

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384
Article
What is so special about a Special General Meeting for a sectional title scheme?

12 September 2016

I have been appointed as a trustee for our new sectional title scheme. I understand the requirements for calling an... annual general meeting, but I am a bit worried about when we should hold special general meetings in the scheme. I just don’t what to make a mistake.

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312
Article