Buying or selling a new home is a big deal, and best handled by a registered property professional who not only has excellent qualifications and a great track record, but also access to the resources and professional backing of a real estate "big brother".
That's the word from Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet estate agency group, who says: "As a home seller, one of the most important considerations when choosing a property professional to work with is what sort of back-up they have in terms of marketing, technology and administration.
"There are of course many independent agents and agencies who can do a great job, but the truth is that your transaction is likely to take less time and go more smoothly if your property professional is associated with a larger real estate company with a recognized and trusted brand, a national network and the resources to create a strong support infrastructure."
For example, he says, the RealNet group, he notes, provides its agents with:
*Quick and easy access to the strongest online marketing platforms such as Property24, Private Property and Facebook through advanced targeting and remarketing advertising campaigns, so that clients' homes can immediately be listed and advertised to the widest possible audience of potential buyers;
*Support systems and staff to reduce the administrative burden, keep track of crucial documents and make the whole process more efficient. This enables agents to pay more attention to clients - and to spend more time with prospective buyers;
*Access to buyer pre-qualification through Betterbond, a leading mortgage originator in SA, which is also available to submit and motivate home loan applications on behalf of purchasers. This provides more certainty for sellers when accepting offers to purchase;
*Ongoing professional training and personal development opportunities, as well as expert legal and business support. This is vital when it comes to ensuring that contracts and clients are compliant with the increasing amount of legislation relating to property sales and rentals;
*The latest real estate technologies and rental property management programs, which enable agents to provide superior service even while working remotely. These are costly to buy or subscribe to, and typically beyond the financial means of most small agencies;
*An active and efficient national referral system that enables agents to exchange listing information and match up homes for sale and potential buyers anywhere in SA. This is crucial when one considers that about 40% of all home buyers come from out of town.
"In other words, our agents are fully empowered to provide clients with a comprehensive service that covers and incorporates all aspects of their property sale or rental, but can also be highly personalized and tailored to their individual needs."
Kotzé says it is also an advantage to home sellers that RealNet agents have the time to guide prospective buyers through the purchase process instead of being bogged down in paperwork. "This is especially appreciated by buyers who are new to the property market and might otherwise be scared of making such a large financial commitment.
"And the best news of all is that it costs home sellers no more to work with a RealNet property professional than with an agent that does not have the same level of support. In fact, it is actually likely to save them money due to a shorter, smoother sale process and lower holding costs."
