Buying a home is one of the most significant investments in a person's life, whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced real estate investor. While the aesthetic appeal of a property can be alluring, it's crucial to look beyond the surface and consider the structural integrity of the components that make up the property....
Pest control in rental properties is a common source of tension between landlords and tenants. Understanding each party's responsibilities and legal obligations can help prevent disputes and maintain a healthy, pest-free environment. This blog post explores the allocation of pest control responsibilities, the legal frameworks governing these obligations, and practical tips for landlords and tenants....
Unsurprisingly, "exercise more," "eat healthier," and "save more money" are among the most popular New Year's resolutions. According to Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant, these goals top the list year after year. Anecdotally, most of us would agree....
Boundary disputes between South African homeowners often arise from overhanging trees, overgrown shrubs, or structures built over property lines. These conflicts can be stressful and costly but are usually resolvable through clear communication and proper legal steps....
Buying your first home is an exciting journey, but it’s important to prepare for more than just the bond repayment. Many first-time home buyers in South Africa overlook the hidden costs of homeownership, which can significantly impact monthly budgets. From utility bills and municipal rates to homeowner’s insurance and maintenance expenses, these additional costs can add up quickly....
As Gauteng edges closer to a “Day Zero” scenario, spurred by prolonged water supply issues and the looming specter of municipal infrastructure failures, water storage solutions have become a pressing necessity for homeowners in South Africa. Below, we discuss practical storage options that cater to different levels of need, helping homeowners mitigate the impact of municipal disruptions, droughts, and...
Downsizing can be a smart, rewarding choice, particularly for homeowners looking to simplify their lives, cut expenses, or adjust to changing circumstances. Whether driven by lifestyle changes, financial motivations, or a need for less space, making the decision to downsize is personal and requires careful thought. Here are some key factors to consider when thinking about downsizing....
For many people, the dream is to own their own home, and considering property has long been touted as a good investment on the basis that it’s a tangible asset that appreciates over time, it makes good financial sense. However, to effectively capitalise on an investment in a dynamic marketplace, one has to understand the meaning of value in this context and be aware of the key factors which contribute...
Are home inspections really worth it? Imagine finding your dream home, only to find out later that it has a plethora of issues that is going to cost you an arm and a leg to fix, or maybe you are a seller than needs to make a quick sale on your property only to have it dragged out because of issues you weren't aware of when you listed. A home inspection can help both buyers and sellers avoid these costly...
These days it seems like everyone is looking at ways to stretch their budget just a little more and even more so as a homeowner. Luckily there are a few things you can do to make your budget stretch a little further without having to make radical changes - little changes, when combined, makes for big saving each month. Here are 11 things you can start doing today to lower your bills, secure better...