Women in the “Homes” business
Alison Bawden
Rentrite / Sellrite
Alison has been in the property industry for 11 years and owner of her own business for nine years.
“I found my passion when I was unexpectedly invited into the property industry. I thoroughly enjoy the interaction with landlords and tenants and get a great deal of
satisfaction finding the right tenant for a landlord’s property.”
Alison specialises in managing properties for landlords who don’t have the time to dedicate to the process, who live overseas, or just don’t want to get involved in the process.
“In the last year, I have branched out into selling properties.
I find the same satisfaction in the buying and selling process.”
Alison prides herself in being open and honest with both landlord and tenant and believes that this has resulted in successful business with repeat opportunities .
“There is nothing more satisfying than when a tenant tells you that they are about to buy their first investment property and they want me to manage it for them, because they have enjoyed working with me as their rental agent.”
083 387 6223 | rentals@rentrite.co.za
Dina Muller
Property Expert
Since 2005 Dina has been assisting Randburg residents with their property requirements. “I have been successful in selling numerous homes and land as well as concluding sales on new real estate developments in the greater Johannesburg area. We are a small business but strive to give the best possible service and advice to our clients. The highest compliment that we can receive, is referrals from our clients to their friends or colleagues,” said Dina.
She adds that in property, location is really a huge factor in your property growth, so put this high on your priority list. Know what costs are involved in buying a property but then also maintaining it.
It always helps to know your budget. She also mentions that there might be things that you as a homeowner might tolerate but potential buyers might be put off. Make sure your property is in fairly good condition. A new coat of paint or just tidying up the garden will make a big difference.
She also urges sellers to educate themselves on the costs involved when selling (i.e. agent’s commission, compliance certificates, notice to the bank)
084 603 6703 | dina@property-expert.co.za
Sipho Matshazi
Northcliff Melville Times Homes Representative
I have been in the advertising field for over 15 years and more specifically with Homes for four fun-filled years.
My job rocks! I absolutely love working with dynamic real estate agents. I find them to be a dynamite bunch who keep me on my toes. It’s my job to help you excel at yours!
I’m so excited about the new digital shift within Caxton Local Media, as we are right there moving with the times and offering clients a digital Homes listing platform to complement our still relevant, unmatched community newspapers.
So here I am, your Homes expert, to offer you total market coverage to get your brand out there and grow, grow, grow your business!!!
071 713 0082 | sipho@caxton.co.za
Loretta Sargent
Linprop
Loretta Sargent is passionate about all things property related. She suggests that those looking to buy their forever home, do their homework first.
“Make sure to take advantage of all the available options for finding homes on the market by using a real estate agent, searching for online listings and driving around the neighbourhood that interests you and look for sale boards.
Remember that the more you educate yourself about the process beforehand, the less stressful it will be and the more likely you will be to get the house you want for a price you can afford – and with a smile on your face.”
Her advice to sellers is not to overprice their properties as this could scare away good potential buyers. “In good markets and bad, you are more likely to benefit by determining a fair value and sticking close to it than you are by asking an unrealistic figure and waiting for buyer response to sift out the ‘right’ price. And in a buyer’s market, setting the right price from the outset may be the only effective strategy.”
079 515 9502 | loretta@linprop.co.za | www.linprop.co.za
Ina Pretorius
Property Runners and Rent Runners (Pty) Ltd
With seven years in the property business Ina prides herself in serving the best interest of landlords.
The economy in South Africa is under increasing pressure and landlords have to be ever more diligent in making sure their properties are continuously occupied by quality tenants who will not default on their rent.
One month’s default or one month’s vacancy can render a property non-profitable for the whole year. The condition of a property plays a major part in the calibre of tenant a landlord will attract.
Landlords who have neat and well maintained properties and who respond to a tenant’s needs in a timeous and courteous manner will attract better quality tenants and will be rewarded by timeous rent payments and lease agreements extended year after year.
The economy has also put pressure on the rental prices that tenants can afford and yearly escalations above the inflation rate are not sustainable. In many instances there is a maximum to what tenants are able to pay, especially for smaller units, and if a landlord’s unit is already at that maximum the next escalation might price it out of the market.
Ina’s advice to new investors is to note that the highest demand in the rental market is for bachelors, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units in the R4000 to R7000 pm price bracket. Investors should also keep an eye on high levies which absorb some of their return on investment.
I’ll also strongly advise landlords to make use of professional rental managers to manage their investment properties. Looking after the multiple demands of an investment property is not easily done on a part time basis. It needs professional people, proper systems and 24hour per day availability. Rather leave it to the professionals like us and utilise your time to look for your next investment property.
082 458 4551 | ina@rentrunners.co.za | www.rentrunners.co.za
