Top property-buying tips from Jawitz Properties

Buying and selling property, as well as moving, can be overwhelming. The good news is that they don't have to be, if you follow a few simple tips when choosing the right property, getting finance for your real estate transaction and moving house the smart way. Our Jawitz Properties #RealPartners Norma Robinson, Deena Pitum, Susan Jaffe and Gisele Cuyler provided the lowdown on how to make buying the right property and moving into it as simple as possible.

Choosing the right property

The first step to choosing the home that's right for you is choosing the area you want to live in. According to Norma Robinson, Jawitz #RealPartner from Sandton, this decision should be made according to your family's lifestyle needs. "If you have children, access to the right schools is your starting point," she explains. "Other considerations include proximity to your workplace and other family members, as well as sports clubs and recreational facilities that you make use of."

Once you have chosen your area, Robinson emphasises the importance of choosing the specific property that's right for you. "Make sure you find a home that accommodates your family's lifestyle," she advises. "While you will always have to make compromises, ensure that the compromises you make are ones that you can live with."

Other tips from Robinson include avoiding having open land or busy roads on your boundary, and ensuring that the property is well secured. "If you have pets, make sure that they will be allowed at your new home," she adds. 

When weighing up the pros and cons of freestanding homes, clusters and sectional titles, Robinson explains that the choice is ultimately made by your lifestyle and your budget. "A sectional title could be an apartment, which isn't ideal if you have children, but it's perfect for those looking for a lock-up-and-go lifestyle. Clusters have small gardens but offer better security than houses. A house may be the best option for a large family with big dogs."

Robinson explains that the property purchase process starts with establishing your budget, your area of choice and what type of home you're looking for. "Your Jawitz #RealPartner will ask very specific questions, because we want to target the best property for you," she explains. "We are not 'tour guides' who take clients to unsuitable properties just for the sake of it. We will introduce you to properties in our portfolio that have the potential to meet your needs."

Financing a property

Deena Pitum, Jawitz #RealPartner from Bedfordview provides information you'll need to know when applying for a home loan. "The application process can be overwhelming," she explains. "Make sure you use a reputable bond originator who will help you fill out the application forms and apply to the banks on your behalf. They will ensure that you get the best possible deal." Pitum also explains that if your bond originator can negotiate even a quarter percent drop in the interest rate that the banks offer you, this can help you to pay off your loan earlier. 

Without the assistance of a bond originator, Pitum adds that various mistakes can be made in the home loan application process. "Common mistakes include not completing the documents correctly and not supplying the correct supporting documents," she elaborates. "For example, different documents are required for self-employed applicants and those with permanent resident status."

Many home buyers have found themselves in a scenario in which their dream property is just slightly out of their budget. In this case, Pitum advises applicants to work with a bond originator upfront. "They can advise you on how to cut down your expenses to qualify for the slightly higher amount," she explains. "You would need to run your account accordingly for three consecutive months before the bank would approve you for the higher amount." Pitum adds that an experienced #RealPartner can also chat to you about other options, such as adding another family member's name to the contract. 

Buying a property is an exciting time, and as a buyer, you'll want things to move along as quickly and smoothly as possible. Pitum explains that the banks can take longer to decide on your home loan application if they don't have all the relevant FICA and financial documentation. "They would need to request anything that they don't have from you, which would lead to delays," she explains. This is another great reason to use a bond originator like Ooba, as they will ensure that all the necessary documents form part of your original application.

Getting settled in your new home

Gisele Cuyler and Susan Jaffe, Jawitz #RealPartners from Johannesburg North, provided their insights and guidance with regards to the final part of the process of buying and selling property: moving in and getting settled. According to Jaffe, the first step when packing up everything in your old home is to declutter your belongings. "You need to start packing as early as possible," she advised. "Create an inventory and start by packing up the rooms that your family uses least."

Cuyler advises that movers-to-be should book a removal company as early as possible, and measure up their belongings to make sure that everything will fit into the van that they are renting. "Movers can make things as easy as possible on the other side by labelling everything clearly. Packing a 'survival box' for your first couple of days in the new home is a must," she comments. "Don't forget to update your address with insurance companies and other service providers and to arrange your utilities early."

When it comes to moving day itself, Jaffe and Cuyler recommend keeping a running list of all the little things that you have to get done. "Don't forget to make arrangements for your children and pets," Jaffe says. "There are lots of simple things you can do to help moving day run smoothly. "Make sure your phone is fully charged, pack a cooler bag and make sure all your documents are in a safe place."

"Leave out some basic cleaning supplies so that you're equipped to get rid of any cobwebs in your new home before you start unpacking," adds Cuyler. "Accept that moving is a process and don't expect to feel fully settled overnight. Depending on the size of your family and the size of your home, it can take anything from a month to three months to be fully unpacked and settled."

Jawitz Properties has its finger on the pulse of buying and selling property, getting finance approved and moving house. Contact us if you're looking to buy, sell or rent property in South Africa.