TIPS AND IDEAS FROM CAPE PROPERTY CONNECTION

GETTING RID OF MOULD

2009-07-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

In a recent tongue in cheek article regarding mould on a wall, a writer joked that there was so much mould on this wall that they could scrape it around a bit in order to acquire an impression of an elephant’s face.

But if you have been faced with mould before, you will know that it is far from a joke and can be a bit disgusting in a way. It happened to me recently… I normally use our own en-suite bathroom, but this one Sunday morning had to use the family bathroom. In between finding a bottle with enough shampoo in it and adjusting the taps, I noticed some black speckles on the wall. It did not take long before the multiplied (much faster than Shark supporters in the Western Cape after a bad Stormers season).

Upon skilful investigation, I noticed that the whole situation was caused by teenagers. For some reason, they refuse to shower with open windows and doors – even the keyhole is being plugged.

I am not very arty, and could not visualize an elephant – or shark for that matter, on the wall, so they had to go.

I asked around and somebody mentioned that a well-known household bleach will do the trick. I was a bit sceptical, so I didn’t pay too much attention to the application details, but the elephant had to go! I decided to put the bleach in a garden spray bottle and sprayed it all over the bathroom. It does not smell too nice (much like a shark supporter after a Blue Bull game) but after 30 minutes or so, the mould started disappearing.

My brother-in-law applied the bleach in his flat by means of a paint roller, it also worked, but he did not open any windows during the exercise – which caused some weird reactions from his pet cockatiel.
In conclusion, it does not matter whether you apply the bleach by spraying, painting or by means of a cloth, just make sure that there is enough ventilation during the operation. My walls did not bleach or mark during the process, but to be safe, rather do a small part first to make sure that your paintjob can withstand the bleach. Also consider installing an extractor fan or something else that ensures a bit of airflow through the bathroom, to prevent further problems. Remember; prevention is better than cure!

HOW TO BUY YOUR DREAM HOME

2008-09-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

FIND A GOOD AGENT

Find an agent to help you look. Give him/her/them a very clear description of exactly what you need. This will help the agent/s to only show you properties that might interest you and not waste your time.

Attend as many show houses as possible to give you an idea of what is available at what price in which area.

If you think that the property you would like to buy has some defects, find a knowledgeable person to advice you on possible costs involved in rectifying the problem.

If you are a first time buyer, ask your agent to give you a written explanation of all costs – such as transfer duty.

STEPS BUYER CAN TAKE TO SPEED UP BUYING PROCESS

Check your credit ratings yourself and make sure everything is fine. (mycredit.co.za)

Get pre-approved finance from your bank.

Make a list of clear description of your needs.

Sell your own home first.

Have copies of your id, proof of residency, marriage certificate and Ante-nuptial contract ready.

Latest tax returns as submitted to SARS.

Latest pay-slip or 3 month’s bank statements.

Ensure that all rates/taxes/levies are paid up to date.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OFFER IRRESISTIBLE

Make the offer as unconditional as possible.

Do not make the offer dependent on the sale of your own house.

Put down as large a deposit as possible.

Set an occupation date that suits the Seller.

Offer a high occupational rent (it is a good negotiating tool and will ease the Sellers’ fears).

Be as reasonable as possible; do not quibble over petty stuff.

TIMELINE OF THE TRANSFER PROCESS

1’st DAY: Complete and sign offer to purchase.
1’st DAY: Present offer to purchase.
2’nd DAY: Offer to purchase accepted by Seller.
3’rd DAY: Pay deposit to Conveyancer. (Conveyancer will request it).
3’rd DAY: Make application to bank for bond.
6’Th DAY: Bank will send out an assessor.
11’Th DAY: Bank approves bond in principle.
40’Th DAY: Bank guarantees are submitted by Buyers bank to the attorneys.
45’Th DAY: Cancellation figures are supplied by Seller’s bank (to conveyance attorneys).
60’Th DAY: Clearance certificates obtained from: local authorities, homeowners’ association or body corporate.
75’Th DAY: Title Deed lodged at Deeds Office.
90’Th DAY: Transfer registered.

HOW TO SELL YOUR HOUSE (Part 1)

2008-09-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

Always remember:”There is nothing wrong with property - that price cannot cure!”

But, in contrast to dropping your price or selling your pride and joy for next to nothing, you can give attention to the following:

ENHANCING YOUR HOUSE’S FIRST IMPRESSION

Go stand outside your house and look at it as if for the first time, what do you and what don’t you like?

EXTERIOR

• Paint the exterior of you house. This includes walls and fencing – what will the prospective buyer notice first? Don’t get to “arty” - put the neon pink away for now. On limited budgets, paint the most noticeable features first i.e. doors, window frames, gutters (also clean them) and post box. You are going to sell the house, so only paint if necessary – but if it is do!
• Pathways and driveways. A good poison will get rid of unwanted grass and weed. Also de-clutter and remove oil stains. (Be careful with some chemicals as they can eat into or stain your driveway).
• Fix up the garden. Your lawn should be in top shape, mow, fertilize, de-weed, fill up etc. Prune away unsightly branches and bushes. Try to get at least some colour in some of the beds. And don’t forget focal points.
• Tidy up the outside of your house. Remove unnecessary items from your plot. (Including extra barbeques, pots, pipes, bricks and so on).
• Swimming pool. Make sure the pool is blue and that equipment is in working order and neat. Set the timer so that the pump is actually working during visits.
• Get rid of landmines. The ones your Great Dane leaves on the grass. Also ensure that kennels and eating areas are neat.
• Clutter-proof your garage. This go for Wendy houses and other sheds too.
• Gates – make sure that all gates are painted, oiled and working as intended.

INTERIOR

• Entrance hall. This is the portal to your house. Make sure that it looks appealing and ensure that it is well lit.
• Spring clean your house and don’t forget to wash the windows.
• Make sure that there are no funny odours floating around in the house. Try to permanently fix the problem rather than masking it as it normally does not work that well. Pets, dampness and smokers are the main culprits here.
• Tidy up. Clutter and disorganisation does not look very appealing. Remove as many personal and family photos as possible. Pack away anything you don’t use daily and rearrange furniture to create as much space as possible.
• Repaint or retile/re-carpet. The walls and ceilings should be in good shape. Replace broken tiles and steam clean the carpet. If possible get professionals to do this.

TIPS FOR VISITS OR OPENDAYS:

• Display fresh flowers.
• Sprinkle nice smelling powder on the carpets or lit a scented candle or burner.
• The smell of coffee or vanilla cookies will also create a pleasant atmosphere.
• In summer open all windows or switch on air-conditioning or ceiling fans.
• In winter switch on your heaters or light a fire in the fire place (which will also proof that it is in working order).
• Switch on lights where necessary.
• Make sure that the pool pumps are switched on.
• Switch on fountains and other features.
• Remove your pets (and in-laws) for the day.
• Background music is a good idea, but it should be in the background and not overwhelming. Go for old favourites such as Neil Diamond.
• Fresh linen. Clean and fresh linen on a bed as well as well placed pillows looks very inviting – just don’t clutter.
• Put out fresh towels, fill soap and paper towel dispensers.
• You or your agent should have an attendance register and fact-sheet ready.
• If you are using an agent make sure you leave well before the first visit.

RENOVATING

Usually renovating before selling is not necessary, but if you need to do it, for example, if your house is not up to standard with the rest of the neighbourhood, or in a buyers’ market, give consideration to the following:

• Security. Nowadays this should be one of your first upgrades – as many people are focussed on this.
• Bath rooms. (The biggest sin here is those old ugly colour and patterned tiles – paint them or retile). Spacious bathrooms where one can escape and relax are in.
• Skylights, windows and lighting (including bulbs). Wash, repaint, replace where necessary.
• A landscaped garden will impress even non gardeners.
• Kitchen. Enough cupboards, lights and space for basic appliances will upgrade your kitchen.
• New flooring. If your d.i.y. job did not come out as you planned, now might be a good time to get it redone by a professional. The same goes for cracked tiles, worn carpets or wooden floors that scream for paint.
• Maintenance. Be up to date on all maintenance issues.

HAPPY SELLING AND GOOD LUCK!