Zuma shakes up the estate agency industry
President Jacob Zuma has issued a proclamation switching control of the Estate Agent’s Affairs Board (EAAB) to Tokyo Sexwale, Minister of Human Settlements. Previously control and administration of the EAAB fell under the Department of Trade and Industry, which is also responsible for the Consumer Protection Commission. In two related developments: Sexwale told Parliament recently […]
SA Homes Getting Smaller
The South African residential property market is adjusting to the tough economic climate and new homes are getting smaller and more basic – with fewer bedrooms, swimming pools, staff quarters or garages. These reductions have implications for home inspection fees: HouseCheck home inspection quotes are based on the number of rooms and so HouseCheck clients […]
Property industry needs to reinvent itself
It’s a tough time to be selling property and forward thinking estate agents are seeking ways to reinvent themselves as trusted transparent advisors, rather than mere marketers of property. Home inspections and compliance with the spirit of the Consumer Protection Act are two obvious strategies for future success in the property business. Not only is […]
The Tsunami of Consumerism
By John Graham How did consumerism spread so quickly? In this age of instant information, the world is changing at an increasingly fast pace. There is a multiplication factor at work as more and more people communicate through the internet. A trend which once may have taken several decades to become obvious now occurs almost […]
Property market still fragile
161 000 properties sold – down 35% on previous year South African property Transfer Guide (SAPTG) analyst, Dieter Deppisch says the South African property market is still very fragile, although showing very slight signs of recovery. “In essence we see the market moving in a recuperative mode. Some pockets of activity are visible but fragility […]