How to avoid delays when selling your home in SA
Few things are more frustrating than a home that lingers on the market. Weeks go by, viewings are sparse, and no offers arrive. Most stagnant sales come down to three factors: price, presentation, and marketing.
The market may be competitive, but well-priced, well-presented homes do sell. When they don’t, one of those elements is usually off.
Selling your home can sometimes be a lengthy process, however, with careful preparation, you can speed things up - whether you need to sell quickly due to financial reasons, to ensure you secure your next home, or relocation.
Typical timelines
If your buyer needs a mortgage bond, expect the sale process to take about three months from signing the agreement to registration at the Deeds Office. However, cash sales can be completed in as little as two months or sometimes much sooner.
Key Steps to avoid delays
Have approved building plans ready:
Buyers and their lenders often want to see approved building plans and occupancy certificates. You should be able to obtain these from your local municipality. Make sure the plans match your home, as unapproved changes can cause financing problems, cost you time and money, or even cause buyers to back out.
Disclose known defects:
Be upfront about any issues like dampness, leaking roofs, or cracks. Getting professional advice on repairs can help avoid disputes.
Clarify what’s included in the sale:
List any fixtures you want to keep so there’s no confusion later.
Locate your Title Deed early:
Misplacing the Title Deed can delay transfer and cost around R5,000 to replace. Providing a copy of the Title Deed early on can help spot any restrictions that could cause problems.
Carefully draft the sale agreement:
Fill in all key dates and avoid vague or lengthy timelines. Any changes should be in writing to prevent misunderstandings.
Check your buyer’s finance status:
If your buyer needs a bond, confirm they are pre-qualified.
Consider including a “72-hour clause” that lets you keep marketing the property until the buyer’s bond is approved, allowing you to accept a better offer if one comes along.
Ensure municipal rates are paid:
Clear all rates and resolve any disputes so the Rates Clearance Certificate can be issued quickly—a must for transfer.
Provide up-to-date compliance certificates:
You’ll usually need to supply Electrical, Water, Gas, Beetle and Electric Fencing Certificates, as applicable. Ensure these are obtained promptly.
Legal and financial checks for entities:
If a company, close corporation or trust owns the property, ensure it’s in good standing and all required resolutions are correctly drafted. Also, provide the latest bond statement, ensure your personal tax affairs are up to date, and submit required FICA documents promptly.
Register solar panels and boreholes:
If your property has solar panels or a borehole/wellpoint, have the installation and municipality registration records ready.
Choose your own conveyancing attorney:
Sellers have the right to appoint their own attorney for the transfer process, which helps maintain control. It’s generally best not to leave this choice to the buyer.
Extract from Property 24
