Role players Key in your selling process

Divesting yourself of a property means calling in the experts, including agents, lawyers and artisans like plumbers and electricians

WHEN you sell your property various parties are involved. You will probably deal with an agent, certification specialists and attorneys.

“The property sales process is a fairly complex one and involves numerous parties, but with the right guidance and your trusty agent by your side, you do not need to feel any stress about the prospect of getting your home sold,” says Mike Greeff, chief executive of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate.

He gives us a breakdown of who the sellers encounter during their sale:

Once you have decided to sell your property, the first person you want to contact is an estate agent.

The agent will start the ball rolling by valuing your property and giving you a market-related price – one which they believe will be accepted by people who are in the market for a new property.

The agent will also create a comprehensive marketing plan for your property, which includes a range of print and online marketing material for the duration of the sale of the property. There are five certificates that must be supplied when you sell your home: electrical, gas, electric fence, water/plumbing and beetle certificates.

This can seem like a rather costly exercise, but it is unavoidable and is not as expensive as you think. Any necessary repairs must be paid for by you. Electrical certificates must be issued by a registered, qualified electrician and are valid for two years provided no electrical work has been done in that time.

A plumbing certificate must also be obtained as it is required by municipal by-laws.

This is to ensure the property’s pipes are compliant with municipal regulations. The certificate must be issued by a qualified, registered plumber. It cannot be legally waived and must be lodged with the municipality before the date of transfer of the property.

If the property has any type of gas installation, a gas certificate is also required in order to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The certificate is a prerequisite for successful transfer of the property.

A beetle certificate is also required to prove that all wooden structures on the property, including floors and rafters, are free from wood-destroying beetles.

Such a certificate should be provided to the buyer prior to transfer of the property.

An electrical fencing certification is also required.

It has to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and is usually issued on installation.

A new certificate is only needed if there have been repairs or alterations to the fence, when a new certificate is issued. Properties change ownership by way of the Deeds Office through the conveyancing process, which is handled by conveyancing attorneys.

The transferring attorney is appointed by and represents the seller.

A bond attorney is required to cancel the bond on the property if there is one.

This attorney will be able to inform the seller whether there are any penalties or administrative charges that need to be paid as this affects the settlement balance.

This attorney is usually appointed by the seller’s bank.

A bond attorney may be required by the buyer to register the bond on behalf of the buyer.

This attorney is appointed by the buyer’s bank.

See more: Property Pages in the Weekend Argus.

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