Buying online? Ask the experts! Gert van der Walt of Myroof.co.za explains the process:

Websites such as Myroof.co.za sell various types of properties in different ways: some properties are sold using the CPA compliant online auction process (mainly repossessed properties), while other properties are sold using the standard tender-offer proc

You can submit offers on properties online and receive updates on properties in areas that you’re interested in. As with any property transaction, the contract is binding only once it has been signed by both parties.

You can view any property prior to making an offer.

Myroof.co.za enables you to make “back-up offers”. If the property you’re interested in has an accepted offer (indicated by an “In Transaction” notification), you can make a back-up offer which can be more or less than the current accepted offer. If the current offer doesn’t go ahead for some reason, usually because of finance, your offer will be considered.

Once the buyer’s offer has been accepted, Myroof.co.za asks the buyer to sign the offer-to-purchase document first. Once signed, the seller countersigns the document, at which stage a binding contract is formed.

Once the client receives the countersigned offer-to-purchase, their finance period officially starts.

The usual fees apply as for any standard property transaction via auction or tender-offer process. However, Myroof.co.za charges between 0% and 4% commission (compared to the norm, which ranges between 6% and 10%).

The buyer then has 14 calendar days to obtain their final grant or 45 days to provide guarantees if they’re paying cash (these particular timeframes vary depending on the type of property purchased). Once the full purchase amount has been secured, the registration of the property can commence, and you’re now on the final step to becoming a proud homeowner.

An offer can be made subject to the sale of the buyer’s own property in the case of private properties, depending on the seller’s consent, but not for bank-repossessed properties.

Iris describes the style of her home as comforting and unfussy. “There’s nothing precious about anything in my home, only the people who live or visit here. My nieces and nephews love coming to Aunty Iris because they know there will always be loads of baked goodies and food. And they can just relax; they don’t have to worry about breaking anything. Everything can be replaced.

“I like repurposing furniture and reupholstering chairs to create a contemporary look, but always with a touch of the plaas to remind me of my heritage.” Iris loves buying old furniture, sanding it down and painting it in high-gloss white for a contemporary look. “I probably spend about three weekends a month fixing and painting and finding new uses for stuff,” says Iris with a laugh.

When it comes to colour schemes, she loves the popular grey trend and mixes it up with lime in the living room, and white and chartreuse in the guest bedroom. >>