Do You Really Need a Property Practitioner?

While it is actually possible to buy or sell a property without the help of a Property Practitioner, industry professionals strongly recommend against it.

"You will be making the process significantly more difficult for yourself," says Gerhard Kotzé, CEO of the RealNet property group, "as you'll be losing out on all of the help, guidance, and benefits that a Property Practitioner can offer."

"The first issue you will run into relates to the security of your investment. Property is often the largest investment that South Africans will make in their lives, with sellers hoping that they get the full value of their property, and buyers hoping that they are paying market-related prices.

"Unfortunately, neither of the above will be guaranteed unless you request the services of a Property Practitioner. They will know what your home is worth, and help you pay market-related prices"

There are many other benefits Property Practitioners can offer sellers and buyers as well, including:

*Time and stress savings: Buying, selling, or renting a property is often a time-consuming and stressful process. Property Practitioners can streamline the process by handling all aspects of the transaction, from scheduling viewings to negotiating contracts or leases.

*Local expertise and market knowledge: Property Practitioners have a deep understanding of the local property market, including pricing trends, neighbourhoods, and investment opportunities. This expertise can help you find the right property for your needs and budget.

*Safety: Viewing a home without a Property Practitioner can be risky. Besides physical safety concerns, there are plenty of property scams taking place in our country. A Property Practitioner can ensure that all contracts are legally binding to help you avoid scams and will also accompany you whenever you go for a property viewing.

*Staging and marketing help: Your Property Practitioner can help you stage your home to make it appear even more attractive when you're taking photos to post online. Property Practitioners will also know the best places to market your property to help you find the right buyer.

*Assistance with negotiations: Negotiations are delicate situations, and Property Practitioners are often skilled at navigating them. They can help both buyers and sellers come to an agreement on a price that seems fair.

If you do decide to take the leap and enter the property market alone, here are some tips for you to help you stay safe and protect your potential investment:

*Do your homework: Learn as much as you can about the property process. This includes understanding pricing trends, legal requirements, and how to avoid fraud scams.

*Get professional advice: Consider hiring a conveyancer or lawyer to help you with the legal aspects of the transaction.

*Be prepared to negotiate: You will need to be prepared to negotiate the price of the property and the terms of the contract.

*Be patient: It may take some time to find the right property or to sell your property for the best possible price.