Property investment is one of the biggest, most exciting and daunting decisions people make in their lives. Your dreams can however, be shattered by using an unqualified and overzealous estate agent with one objective in mind – to speed up the transaction! So whether buying, selling or both, it is important to take the necessary steps that can make your investment transaction as easy as possible. Using the right estate agent can save you from making a bad property investment.

“When investing in property, save yourself the stress of finding, negotiating and buying by using suitable people – accredited real estate agents who listen to your needs,” says CEO of Realtors International Durbanville, Manja Kritzinger. Kritzinger warns buyers and sellers to be cautious of cowboy agents who ‘oversell,’ and shares her ‘C.A.R.E’ (Credibility, Accreditation, Research and Engage) points below to guide prospective homeowners and sellers on what to look out for when selecting an estate agent or agency.

Credibility

Kritzinger defines a credible real estate agent as someone who is licensed or accredited to negotiate and arrange property sales, and someone who is visible and well-known in the community. Professionalism and integrity are also vital traits to look out for when selecting an estate agent. “Do some homework beforehand so that you can be certain all the facts your preferred estate agent gives you are verified,” says Kritzinger. Sometimes agents exaggerate statistics or what they have to offer in order to get your business. “A great starting point is to ask around in your community as word of mouth is still the best way to find a trustworthy estate agent that will have your best interest in mind,” guides Kritzinger.

Accreditation and references

In terms of the Estate Agency Affairs Act (112 of 1976), every estate agent and estate agency must obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) from the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB). Ask your preferred estate agent to supply their FFC accreditation details for the current calendar year along with a list of contactable references. The references will also give you an indication of how busy the agent is and if they are a familiar face in the area. Remember that it is illegal for an estate agent to claim commission if they didn’t have a valid FFC at the time they rendered the services to you.

Research using different platforms

Kritzinger advises that once you have investigated relevant details about the estate agent, to verify these details through different online platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Hello Peter or even on Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) (http://www.eaab.org.za/home). EAAB allows you to search and find full details of the registered agent or agency.

Engage

“It is critical for prospective homeowners to feel comfortable with their estate agent. Start engaging with them to determine whether they are the right fit and see if  they have the right attitude and approach to selling your property or helping you buy wisely,” comments Kritzinger. Ask as many questions as possible such as:

  • Exactly what is included in the sale?
  • What is the property worth in today’s market?
  • Is there a problem with the property?
  • How long has the property been on the market?
  • What aren’t you telling me?

Determine if the answers to these questions are true and reliable, but be cautious if the agent is overselling. Also be wary of agents that promise quick results or who inflate the listing price and give false testimonies about the property in question. “Be careful that your preferred agent is not only interested in the commission, but rather that they add valuable input to your decision,” concludes Kritzinger.

Visit the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa’s website at www.ieasa.org.za for more information about what constitutes an accredited estate agent or agency.

For more information about Realtors International Durbanville contact 021 975 5720 or visit www.realtorsdurbanville.co.za. Join Realtors International Durbanville’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RealtorsDurbanville.