Real Estate Goings on

Transfer duty - the basics

2011-11-27T08:24:00.000+02:00

R 600 000.00 = Zero % Transfer Duty.

From R 600 001.00 to 1 million = 3% Transfer Duty.

Above R 1 000 001.00 to R 1 500 00 = R 12 000 + 5% Transfer Duty.

R 1 500 001 and Above = R 37 000 + 8 %

Becoming an Estate Agent in SA

2011-11-09T10:07:00.001+02:00

Becoming an Estate Agent can be achieved in many ways.

One way is to find an Agency that will enter into an agreement with you on a full or part time basis. You then register with the Estate Agency Affairs Board as a Candidate Agent. You can now act as an agent under the guidance of a principal.

There are then a few routes from there - but the best is that you register on a Learnership and get signed off as being competent on the various Unit Standards of the required NQF 4 Qualification for Estate Agents. After this you also need to do the professional designation examination with the EAAB.

For any other support or guidance you may want to contact the Institute of Estate Agents of SA at admin@ieasajhbmetro.co.za

You can aslo visit my blogsite http://realestategoingson.blogspot.com/ for developments, and of course the IEASA and EAAB sites.

Good luck.

Charl Heydenrych

proplib@tiscali.co.za

Dr Andrew Golding talks on Rebosa and other developments.

2011-09-26T23:04:00.000+02:00

UPDATE ON IEASA AND REBOSA

The importance of further professionalisation of the industry continues to be high on the

property list of real estate industry focussed organisations, particularly in the light of recent

adverse publicity. Furthermore, it remains an important priority for the industry in general to

organise itself in properly organised and representative groups in order to successfully lobby

and influence decision makers and law makers about any current or future regulatory

amendments or changes.

To this end, as has been previously communicated and in line with NEDLAC

recommendations, in order to properly represent the residential real estate industry at the

highest levels of government and other decision making entities, a decision was taken to

create two separate entities within the real estate profession, one representing business

owners and principals, called REBOSA (Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa) and

a second organisation representing the interests of "labour" (estate agents and employees).

Significant progress has been made in this regard, firstly in respect of REBOSA. Off the

back of a nationwide series of road shows where significant support was garnered, the name

has now been registered and is awaiting registration at CIPC (Companies & Intellectual

Property Commission). Furthermore, a draft code of conduct and a constitution have been

compiled and are currently under review by the interim national steering committee.

As far as the other organisation representing labour is concerned, a decision was taken at a

special board meeting of the national Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA) to

evolve and transform itself into a new association to be called the Property Practitioners of

South Africa (PPSA^and represent the interests of estate agents and employees ie. labour.

It is furthermore the intention of both REBOSA and PPSA to be fully inclusive and as far as

possible represent the interests of the full range of all constituents in the residential property

industry in South Africa.

Furthermore, and to complete the organisational picture, and given the many common points

of interest relating to both labour and business, it is the intention of both REBOSA and PPSA

to form a joint committee comprising elected members from each organisation to address

these issues from time to time and when appropriate .

Finally, once formed and registered with the Department of Labour, both associations will

work together to form a professional body for real estate by registering with SAQA (South

African Qualification Authority) where professional designations will be housed for both

employers and employees. In this way both REBOSA and PPSA will be jointly responsible

for this aspect of the professionalisation of the real estate industry.

For further information, email Pam Snyman at pam@ieasa.org.za, or contact Dina Porteus,

co-ordinator@rebosa.co.za.

Ends

Caption: Dr Andrew Golding, national president of IEASA

Farmland - the next battle

2011-09-01T18:22:00.003+02:00

What is on the cards for redistribution of farm land:

"a property evaluator empowered to determine the amount of money to be paid if land is expropriated." This is one of the points made in the Green Paper, now available for comment.

The party (DA) said the country already has courts to determine land ownership rights and compensation, and that giving those powers to an extra-judicial political office opened the road to abuse.

...I couldn't agree more.

Time to stand together.

2011-09-01T14:26:00.002+02:00

Amidst all the controversy surrounding the persons involved with the regulator, there seems to be a wider feeling that if only the Real Estate Profession could bury its narrow interests it should be able to regulate, educate, act for labour, and promote our industry. This is also the view of Tony Clarke, Managing Director of Rawson Properties. He believes that “We need to get all the stakeholders to unite eg, IEASA, SAPOA , NPF, SSETA etc. He states that and all should be represented in such an endeavour. He also feels that the majority representation should be industry operators.

He says: “Its time we get our act together, set up a professional body and apply for self regulation for our industry. If attorneys can do it, why would we not be able (to do so)?”

It is hoped that the newly formed REBOSA (Real Estate Business Owners of SA) and the restructured IEASA will play a leading role in such an effort.

Extract from the FNB House price index - Aug 2011

2011-09-01T09:36:00.000+02:00

The August FNB House Price numbers provides what could perhaps be described as “mixed signals”. In year-on-year terms, the FNB House Price Index growth rate continues to accelerate. This reflects, with a lag, the mild resurgence in demand in the summer of 2010/11. On the other hand, while the seasonally-adjusted month-on-month growth rate continues to point to still-positive growth, it also indicates a slowing in growth momentum. This arguably reflects some weakening demand more recently during the winter months, not only as a result of seasonal factors but also due to no further interest rate cuts in 2011 as well as slowing economic growth (and likely household income growth too). Simultaneously, FNB’s valuers continue to suggest a deteriorating balance between supply and demand.

On a year-on-year basis, the FNB House Price Index rose by 6.1% in August (i.e. August compared with August a year ago). This represents an increase on the revised growth rate of 4.8% for July. In real terms, adjusted for CPI inflation, the year-on-year percentage change for July was still mildly negative to the tune of -0.5%, given that CPI inflation in July was 5.3% and the revised nominal house price growth rate for that month being 4.8%.

How am I doing?

2011-08-31T16:40:00.001+02:00

If you are an Estate Agent operating in the retail residential market in South Africa, we invite you to participate in a confidential and voluntary information sharing programme.

The purose of the programme is to collect information about the market and trends within the market. The programme will not only give you information on how you are doing in relation to other agents in the market, it will also help you to set targets and track your preformance over time.

All you need to do is to submit your sales data on a monthly basis. The information is aggregated in such a way that no individual agent or agency is identifyable.

If you are interested in participating please complete this form and we will let you know what to do. If you have any queries please send an e-mail to proplib@tiscali.co.za

The saga continues.

2011-08-31T09:57:00.002+02:00

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Ironic

2011-08-30T12:41:00.003+02:00

It is ironic that this article appeared in the Star next to a LEAD SA article - "be the South Africa you want to be..." This is not the type of organisation that we wnat to be associated with the profession. Is it not time that some of the functions so inadequately managed by the EAAB be given back to the profession to manage? Surely there will be less of these unsavoury actions to contend with. Let the EAAB deal with customer complaints and the profession will do what it needs to do to deliver high quality estate agency and broking services witout being tarnished by the board's shenanigans.

Who watches the Watchdog

2011-08-28T16:49:00.007+02:00

Caught out once again - The EAAB just cannot get it right! This article appeared in the Sunday Times of 28/08/11.

Perhaps the officers should also write Proffessional Certification Exams, get NQF 4 certificates, be RPL'ed, be forced to pay for indemnity certificates, be subjected to anonymous whistleblowing systems and the like.

We just need less of these structures that have power over money they did not earn.

Bolani said: : "...the information about our activities has always been in the public domain" that's not the point - the point is using public money to benefit oneself! Doesn't he get it? Since when is he trying to be a motor car service technician?

Click on the photo to enlarge. (+)

Government Green paper moves SA closer to Government controlled Communism

2011-08-26T11:43:00.003+02:00

Though foreigners get the nod on land ownership and government appears to have abandoned the notion that foreigners should not own any land in SA. it seems they are proposing that foreigners enjoy freehold title but with possible onerous conditions applied on for example coastal land and not being able to export all of what they produce on agricultural land and that land can only be owned in conjunction with local partners.

This, together with restricting freehold title for SA citizens, clearly indicate that the government is opposed to the idea of private land ownership in South Africa.

This will have a devastating impact on private initiative and wealth creation, not to mention the impact on the real estate industry in rural areas.

The green paper on land reform was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Again also, it seems as if there will be a bundle of regulations that the minister will be able to make without the kind of scrutiny that an act of parliament would go through. So again we are at the mercy of the administrators rather that the legislator.

If two imperatives for land reform were that the government has to "improve on past perspectives, without disrupting agricultural production and food security; and to avoid or minimise redistribution and restitution which do not generate sustainable livelihoods, employment and incomes", then the onerous processes involved in subdivision of land and all the regulations involved in transferring land ownership should be looked at. This is the writers view – rather than the top down approach proposed by the green paper.

It seems that the green paper will be made public next week. All are urged to help tranform the landscape of property ownership in SA, but not by giving a larger role for the Government but by strengthening individual property rights. One example are the RDP houses - the new owners to not get full title - they are for example not allowed to sell them. SA Blacks are being treated like second class citizens by their own government. This also shows the the government want more power and do not believe in individual land ownership with full rights. Is this what anti-apartheid activist really wanted - a disowned populace under an all powerful government?

(most of the factual information in this article was sourced from: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=151760 hartleyw@bdfm.co.za )

EAAB GRANTS EXTENSION FOR ESTATE AGENTS TO COMPLY WITH EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

2011-07-26T11:44:00.003+02:00

We knew that this was going to happen - did we not! If this was so important why would they not have taken all the actions necessary to make it happen - The answer is simple: it just is not that critical for an agent to meet those requirements. The requirements need a rethink - especially in the light of young persons wanting to enter the market. It should be made easier - not more difficult to become an Estate Agent. When I became an Estate Agent in 1993 all i had to do was to find a Principal that was prepared to take me on! It worked for me, why can it not work for the thousands of young bright unemployeds out there (as I were in 1993 - not so bright mind you!)?

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 July 2011
EAAB GRANTS EXTENSION FOR ESTATE AGENTS TO COMPLY WITH EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
The Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), acting in terms of the Education Regulations, has resolved to grant a two-year extension to all estate agents who were registered on 15 July 2008 and who were, thus, required to be certificated against the relevant estate agency qualifications by 31 December 2011. Such estate agents will now have until 31 December 2013 for this purpose.
“This extension is pivotal for those affected estate agents who have yet to be certificated as required by the Education Regulations,” says Thami Bolani Chairman of the EAAB. “While the new educational dispensation, which aims at professionalising estate agents, continues to receive widespread support from estate agents and consumers alike, the EAAB now believes that it was over-optimistic in anticipating that some 37 000 estate agents would be able to upgrade their qualifications in a period of only three years.”
More than 12 000 practicing estate agents have already either been certificated against the required real estate qualification or have been exempted therefrom on the basis of previous tertiary qualifications obtained from South African institutions of higher learning.
The numbers of estate agents approaching accredited education providers for training is growing all the time as the reality of the new professional estate agency environment is acknowledged. Bolani expressed his confidence that, “By granting this extension, it is likely that all estate agency practitioners who wish to remain in the real estate sector can be accommodated.”
ends/
For more information contact:
Ms Portia Mofikoe
Acting Executive: Stakeholder Relations and Education
Estate Agency Affairs Board
083 4490 883 or 083 993 6120
Tel: 011 731 5662 or Portia.mofikoe@eaab.org.za

IEASA Board meeting 22 July 2011 - discussing the way forward.

2011-07-24T08:53:00.007+02:00

Kate Colsell
Pat Acutt, Ivan Neethling
Johalna Minnaar, Dr Andrew Golding, Pam Snyman.

Anna Mothudi, Ronel Heyns,

(c) Charl Heydenrych

THE AGENT magazine

2011-07-07T11:48:00.000+02:00

Some of you may not be aware that THE AGENT magazine is downloadable from the EAAB’s website http://www.eaab.org.za/estate_agency_magazine.html – they are large files at 5mb but do contain some interesting content and back-editions are available.

NQF 4 or NQF 5 qualification

2011-05-07T08:22:00.000+02:00

RPL - Do your NQF 4 or NQF 5 qualification now!

A unique opportunity to make a start and complete your required NQF qualification as an agent or principal before the December 31 deadline. The Institute of Estate Agents have has arranged with iSeleSele Property Academy for IEASA members to attend a first RPL session for theses qualifications on June 10 or 11, 2011. The cost to members is R 5 500 (Excluding Vat).

Agents must attain the level 4 qualification and principals must attain the National Certificate Real Estate NQF 5, which is a management qualification with specialisation in real estate. Both can be obtained via RPL.

The training provider, iSeleSele Property Academy has been one of the fore-runners in bringing innovative products and processes to the real estate industry to comply with current regulations. All its facilitators, assessors and moderators are subject matter experts with between many years of industry experience and offer around the clock telephonic assistance to Agents and Principals alike; all living the slogan “RPL MADE EASY”.

iSeleSele Property Academy has all the required accreditations and more!

• Seta Accreditation number 2283 (see www.serviceseta.org.za)

• Estate Agency Affairs Board accreditation (see www.eaab.org.za)

• Registered with the Department of Higher Education

• ISO 9001 (International standards of quality assurance issued by SABS)

Make your booking through Marian at the IEASA office – 011 431 4107, for the above dates or to be slotted into a public programme. Send her an e-mail at admin@ieasajhbmetro.co.za or fax the attached booking form to 086 669 7451

Terms: Payment by EFT into the Iselesele bank account. (See attached enrolment form).

Contact us if you have any questions regarding the training of your staff, learnerships or claiming back your skills levies.

Marian Lodewick

IEASA Jhb Metro Region
Tel: 011-431-4107
Fax: 086-669-7451
Email: admin@ieasajhbmetro.co.za

April 2011 FNB House Price Index

2011-05-03T12:49:00.000+02:00

The April 2011 FNB House Price Index showed further mild acceleration in year-on-year growth on March’s revised rate of 1.2%, to 2.2%.

This is the 2nd successive month of mild acceleration in year-on-year house price growth, an event which we believe is the lagged result of a

further brief flurry of interest rate cutting by the Reserve Bank (SARB) late in 2010. Those rate cuts caused a mild uptick in residential

demand which may have been more than just the usual summer seasonal factors.

Regards,

Ewald Kellerman
Property Market Analytics

FNB Home Loans
Ground Floor
FNB Building
1 Enterprise Road
Fairland
Tel (011) 632 0021, Fax (086) 660 6865
e-mail ekellerman@fnb.co.za propertybarometer@fnb.co.za

http://twitter.com/EwaldKellerman www.fnb.co.za www.howcanwehelpyou.co.za

FNB Survey - End April 2011

2011-04-28T14:01:00.001+02:00

The FNB Estate Agent Survey for the 1st quarter of 2011 points to agents’ perceptions of housing affordability, in terms of price levels relative to buyer income levels, having improved significantly.

We believe that this perception is to a large extent justified. As at the 1st quarter of 2011, it is very likely that housing affordability, as measured by the average house price/average remuneration ratio and by the instalment repayment/average remuneration ratio, continued to improve. This is due to anaemic house price growth of 0.82% year-on-year for the 1st quarter according to the FNB House Price Index, the likelihood of wage inflation being significantly stronger than house price growth, and a further decline in the average interest rate following a late-2010 interest rate cut.

However, affordability calculations are based on the wage growth of those employed, and after a major decline in formal sector jobs during the recession in 2008/9, recent employment growth remains very slow. Therefore, the household sector as a whole remains financially constrained, and despite the improvement in traditional measures of housing affordability, housing demand growth has not yet set the world alight.

Therefore, it is not surprising that, when house prices around major metros are measured on a value band basis, the affordable area segment has shown the best price growth in recent times. On a year-on-year basis, Affordable Area (average price = R377,864) average price growth measured +8.9% for the 1st quarter of 2011. Within the Affordable Segment, the Former Black Township component stands out as being the strongest, which may also reflect a lack of supply of stock relative to former suburban areas. The other 3 area value bands were grouped in a very narrow range of price growth, with Top End Areas (average price = R1.882m) showing +5.2% growth, Middle Income Areas (average price = R712,764) showing +4.6% increase, and High Income Areas (average price = R1.086m) rising by +3.8%.

The household sector’s financial constraints continue to keep it focused on basics, and this can be seen in coastal holiday town price estimates continuing to show significant deflation to the tune of -6.9% year-on-year.

However, despite some difference in the relative performances of segments, virtually all housing segments that we measure have shown further de-celeration in price growth during the 1st quarter.

The exception was the “Sectional Title Less than 2 Bedroom” segment. Whereas, the Sectional Title 3 Bedroom sub-segment recorded a meagre +0.3% year-on-year price growth in the 1st quarter, and the 2 Bedroom sub-segment +0.4%, the “Sectional Title Less than 2 Bedroom” sub-segment sub-segment showed a significantly better +6.6% growth, and was the only major segment in both the full title and sectional title markets to see its growth accelerate, from the previous quarter’s +4.8%. One must bear in mind that the Less than 2 Bedroom sub-segment tends to be more cyclical than the others, and that it also saw the biggest price dip during 2008/9 of the key sectional title sub-segments, so its prices come off a lower base. This segment is believed to be a major target of 1st time buyers in the former white suburban areas, a source of demand that is more cyclical than overall residential demand. Its reliance on 1st time buyers may be starting to benefit it at present, because our FNB Estate Agent Survey shows an increase in 1st time buyers as a percentage of total buyers from 17% in the 4th quarter of 2010 to 22% in the 1st quarter of 2011.

John Loos
Strategist

FNB Home Loans
Ground Floor, fairland Campus, Enterprise Road, Fairland, Johannesburg
Tel (011) 6490125, Fax (086) 5140478
e-mail: john.loos@fnb.co.za

The noose is tightening...

2011-04-19T17:46:00.000+02:00

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07 APRIL 2011
MEDIA RELEASE – ESTATE AGENCY AFFAIRS BOARD ANNOUNCES GRANT OF AMNESTY PERIOD FOR ILLEGAL OPERATORS
The Estate Agency Affairs Board is pleased to announce that it has resolved to grant a three-month amnesty period to illegally operating estate agency practitioners. It is to be hoped that this innovative step will assist all persons who are presently operating illegally as estate agents to regularise their status. The EAAB firmly believes that the grant of amnesty will not only promote a positive climate of transparency and reconciliation between itself, illegal estate agency practitioners and consumers but also encourage offenders, who might otherwise be reluctant to do so, to come forward and legalise their activities as estate agents. It is to be underscored, in this regard, that all practicing estate agents are obliged by the provisions of the Estate Agency Affairs Act to apply to the EAAB for, and be issued with, valid fidelity fund certificates before engaging in any estate agency functions and activities.
The three-month amnesty period for this purpose commences on Friday, 15 April 2011 and terminates on Friday, 15 July 2011. Persons who wish to utilise the opportunity to apply for amnesty will be requested to submit an affidavit to the EAAB in which full and honest disclosure is made of all estate agency activities that were undertaken when the applicants were not authorised to perform the functions and activities of an estate agent. Amnesty applications will be comprehensively considered and evaluated by a special committee of the EAAB which will comprise at least three, but not more than five, members. The committee may also include independent advisers and/or consultants.
The following criteria will, amongst others, be taken into account by the committee when deciding whether or not to grant amnesty applications, namely, the apparent motive of the applicant in bringing the application; the context in which the admitted contravention of the provisions of the Estate Agency Affairs Act took place; the legal and factual nature of the contraventions of the Estate Agency Affairs Act committed by the applicant; the interests of both the public as well as the general body of estate agents; and justice to the applicant as a fit and proper person.
In return for the granting of amnesty applicants will be afforded a reasonable time to get their estate agency affairs in order. The committee will, thus, be entitled to give suitable directions to successful applicants on such important aspects as applications to be made by the applicant for registration as an estate agent; the payment by the applicant of any administrative or other penalties; the opening and maintenance by the applicant of a properly designated trust account; the appointment by the applicant of auditors; the auditing of the books and records of the applicant’s estate agency undertaking; and the obtaining by the applicant of the required estate agency educational qualification(s).
Applicants who are granted amnesty can be reassured that no internal disciplinary steps or measures will be instituted by the EAAB against them arising from any previous non-compliance with the provisions of the Estate Agency Affairs Act.
The EAAB is confident that great success will be achieved in implementing the amnesty and earnestly calls upon on all affected persons immediately to join the regulatory fold and to become accepted professional estate agents.
Please see the attached Amnesty Policy for more information.
End//
For all media enquiries:
Ms Portia Mofikoe
Head: Marketing and Communications
Estate Agency Affairs Board
083 4490 883 or 083 993 6120
Tel: 011 731 5662 or Portia.mofikoe@eaab.org.za

EAAB - agge nee!

2011-04-18T17:05:00.002+02:00

don’t have MNet?

http://beta.mnet.co.za/carteblanche/Article.aspx?ID=4340

REBOSA

2011-04-11T16:16:00.001+02:00

NEW REPRESENTATIVE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY BODIES FORMED
In an important and positive move which will enable the South African real estate industry to participate more effectively in key decision-making within the sector, two representative bodies have been formed - one, an employees’ and real estate agents’ organisation (representing labour), and the other an employers’, principals’ or business owners’ organisation (representing business). This move is in line with current recommendations in order to separate these differing interests clearly but also to allow for greater and more widespread representation and inclusivity.
The formation of the two bodies has the support of The Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA). IEASA is currently structured to represent the interests of both business and labour (employers and employees, and this will in time evolve to represent only the labour component of the industry, namely the agents and employees, while a new employers’ organisation for real estate business owners, which is to be known as REBOSA (Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa) has been formed. REBOSA was established at a meeting of real estate stakeholders held in Johannesburg on 29 March 2011, where the steering committees from the various provinces also proposed principle terms of reference for a constitution and a code of conduct.
As organised business, and as organised labour, these two real estate industry associations will be able to participate in key decision-making processes. REBOSA will join the ranks of the Business Coalition of South Africa or Business Unity South Africa and as such will be represented at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). NEDLAC's aim is to make economic decision-making more inclusive, and to promote the goals of economic growth and social equity. Via this process, government comes together with organised business, organised labour and organised community groupings to discuss and reach consensus on issues of social and economic policy.
As far as skills development goes, real estate organised labour and business will both participate on the SSETA structures and participate in developing their own future qualifications as the SSETA includes the Property Chamber. In terms of the Skills Development Act 97/1998 a chamber must consist of an equal number of members representing employees and employers and may include such additional members as the SETA determines.
A further important role that these two constituencies will play is to actively promote and facilitate the professionalisation of the real estate industry by registering as official Real Estate Professional Bodies with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). In this way new representative bodies will be able to become involved in the development of a body of specialised knowledge in accordance with international benchmarks, as well as be able to develop, award and revoke its own professional designations.
These are but three areas of specific involvement that the new structures will have influence over and need to work together and deliberate on. Over and above these are, of course, the multitude of general and specific industry issues that arise on a continuous basis (the plethora of new legislative changes being current examples) and which need to be dealt with in the best interests of the industry in general.
In May 2011, IEASA/REBOSA will be hosting a road show for both real estate employers and employees in 14 different regions throughout South Africa (including those who are not IEASA members), in order to explain and further determine the road forward . It is naturally important that all who are interested in this significant development and who wish to have a say, attend these road shows, which have been sponsored by SA Home Loans as primary and PayProp as secondary sponsors, thereby making it possible for this essential event to be offered free of charge to the real estate fraternity. The dates and venues for the road show can be viewed on www.ieasa.org.za and there will be a lucky draw with a trip to this year’s NAR Conference in California, USA to be won.
For further information and online bookings go to www.ieasa.org.za

Chaos at EAAB - What's new?

2011-04-08T10:45:00.002+02:00

They are going to do inspections internally - why? They should just manage their contracts better - if they cannot do that, why would using internal staff be any better?

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=139639

Adrienne Hersch Properties on Youtube.

2011-03-22T16:13:00.001+02:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yI3mNPXweY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIiWTY4Cf1E

Old news - just for the record.

2011-03-08T16:58:00.000+02:00

http://www.fin24.com/Companies/Property/Wendy-Machanik-in-trust-fund-shock-20110109

What is the situation now with clearance certificates?

2011-03-07T10:41:00.001+02:00

Johannesburg’s property sales backlog has reached what role-players are describing as crisis proportions, with the
backlog in the issuing of clearance certificates for property tax in the city now up to 45 000. A Sake24 report notes
transactions worth billions cannot be processed, leaving lawyers, buyers, sellers and agents at a dead-end. Lew Geffen,
of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, says the situation is a massive problem for the economy of Johannesburg
and that agents’ cash flow is already 40% lower than normal. Clients who sold their properties in 2009 are still awaiting
clearance certificates needed to transfer ownership. The Johannesburg Council says the backlog is due to software
problems brought about by the transition to a new system. Martin Strydom, of law firm Louw & Heyl, is quoted as saying
his firm has at least 150 property transactions that cannot be completed. ‘Law firms are under fire from buyers and
sellers, but our hands are tied.’ He says the municipality should consider the privatisation of the certificate issuing
process.

a Sake 24 report

UK opts for less regulation for Estate Agents

2011-02-28T09:09:00.000+02:00

http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/regulation-estate-agents-unnecessary-says-oft

Portia Mofikoe - not telling the whole truth.

2011-02-26T18:53:00.002+02:00

"No estate agent is entitled to a commission unless, at the time of the performance of the transaction, a Fidelity Fund certificate was issued to him or her," she (Portia Mofikoe) noted - 2 Feb 2011.

Read a blog that I posted some time ago:

Taljaard v Botha Properties (666/06) [2008] ZASCA 38 (28 March 2008)

CASE NO: 666/06

Some people may say this is the Sign of the Devil – if you look at the case number.

But, not to pay the agreed commission to an agent that does not have a fidelity fund certificate is not on – they had a deal the judge said.

The estate agency (Botha Properties) has won a court victory that will support estate agents who sell property without having a valid fidelity fund certificates.

The Supreme Court of Appeal of SA ruled that a seller does not have the right to have commission returned if it emerges that the estate agent was operating without a fidelity fund certificate.

The delay in issuing of Fidelity fund certificates by the EAAB are a sore point in real estate sales' circles right now - A war of words is taking place in the media between agents and Ms Mapetla of the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), after it emerged that many estate agents are not in possession of valid fidelity fund certificates.

According to the previous interpretation of the law, estate agents who do not have a valid certificate when they act as agents are not entitled to commissions earned. This seems to have been overturned by this case. As judge Nugent said:

“It seems to me that that misconstrues the purpose of the section. It was not enacted for the benefit of clients who have incurred a contractual obligation to pay remuneration to an estate agent who has performed his or her mandate – I have already held that the contract giving rise to the obligation remains valid notwithstanding the breach of s 26 – but rather to penalize estate agents who have breached the section. An estate agent who claims remuneration in conflict with s 34A might expose himself or herself to criminal sanction, and will be prevented from enforcing his or her claim, but I do not think it follows by necessary implication that a client who has settled his or her contractual obligation is accorded a right of action for its return.”

Nugent dismissed the client's appeal with costs.

Nomonde Mapetla suspended.

2011-02-20T19:52:00.002+02:00

Sunday Times - February 20, 2011

I have allways maintained that the qualifications are inappropriate and not conducive to allowing new black entrants into the market. This view is also shared by others in the industry.

I quote from the above article: "Geffen said that under Mapetla the EAAB 'has made it impossible for new agents to enter the market'.

Geffen said this was because of Mapetla's insistence that all agents have recognised qualifications.

'Very few people are coming in simply because the exams are too hard... it's made it impossible for black, white pink or yellow to enter.'

The EAAB is a consumer protection agency and should not attempt to regulate the industry through licencing requirements. Yes, it should stamp on agencies that defraud clients, that are unethical and dip their fingers in the tust money till; but not attempt to control the industry. That role should be handed to the profession to look after. Exactly how this is to be done needs some consultation with the industry and not the one-sided approach that the EAAB has been following.

Voetsek Voetstoots.

2011-02-14T15:11:00.001+02:00

The new credit act (The Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008) does not apply to once off sellers of property.

http://www.ita.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268:voetstoots-clauses-and-the-consumer-protection-act&catid=25:newsarticles&Itemid=89

Free Listing Service

2011-02-07T18:54:00.000+02:00

http://www.yeah.org.za/property-trader/?page=login&page1=sign_up

Vat or Transfer Duty?

2010-11-27T12:04:00.001+02:00

A good article can be found here:

http://www.durbanville-property.co.za/info-vat-or-transfer-duty.htm

Ideal regulatory framework.

2010-08-24T07:02:00.002+02:00

My comment deals with the "ideal regulatory framework".
The market, whether that of estate agents or any other industry or organisation, should be as little hampered by regulations and legislation as possible.
Normal common law / legislation already deals adequately with criminal / fraudulent behaviour.
Most additional regulation / legislation, whether intended to "protect" the consumer or "keep out the rats and mice" merely hampers entry into the estate agency arena.
In South Africa's case this means in effect that entry-level black entrepreneurs are particularly hard hit.
Regulations are not subject to the same scrutiny or public input as legislation and should be kept to a minimum.
Self-regulation is best with codes of conduct, etc.
The EAAB should assist with creating an environment in which estate agents, sellers and buyers can operate most freely.

Ideal regulatory framework.

2010-08-24T07:02:00.001+02:00

IEASA Meeting - Pam Golding Head Office: Aug 2010

2010-08-19T23:15:00.000+02:00

Exercise gone wrong.

2010-07-09T12:33:00.003+02:00

A "MOTIVATION Day" organised by one of Italy's largest property agencies ended in tears and scars when nine sales staff had to be treated in hospital after walking barefoot on a bed of hot coals.

Former athlete turned motivational trainer Alessandro Di Priamo said they had suffered burn, but none were seriously hurt.

He said the hotel where the exercise was held had used the wrong kind of wood and artificial coal without his knowledge. - Reuters

Do you wish to become an Estate Agent?

2010-06-14T15:57:00.001+02:00

Do you live in the Johannesburg area?
Do you wish to become an Estate Agent?

Contact Marian at IEASA and we will tell you how.

011 431 4107

Make sure that she has your contact details since we are approached by agencies that need staff - you do not want to miss out.

Some of the agencies are looking for experienced staff and some are looking for persons that wish to undergo learnerships as candidate agents.

Nifty world cup soccer schedule

2010-06-04T15:46:00.000+02:00

The most nifty soccer schedule you will see - go to aded and follow the link.

Regards

Charl Heydenrych

Brookfield Investments 158 (Pty) Ltd

011 791 6407

082 637 3710

proplib@tiscali.co.za

http://aded.co.za

Golding complains

2010-05-23T14:01:00.006+02:00

This is the image that the Golding Group complained about. I believe that the complaint itself will cause the damage that they are fearing!

I do not agree with Gallery director Kirsty Cockerill when she says "...protect our artists from the bullying of large corporates..." (ST May 23, 2010). As I see it, it is just a company with a fine reputation trying to protect their good public image.

This is a freedom of expression debate as it clashes with the private self interests of a person (company). I wonder who will win this one...

Coming to think of it - one solution would have been for PG to have just bought the image - then they could do with it what they want and perhaps even prohibit the reproduction thereof (can they? - don't know) Any comments?

More: http://www.mooreattorneys.co.za/distinctive-ip/45-issue-35-hated-communities

The Property Charter Unpacked

2010-02-05T14:57:00.000+02:00

http://www.cmsignition.co.za/download/files_238/Property_Charter_Unpacked_ed.ppt#319,11,Application of scorecard

Orman invests in SA property

2010-01-21T13:28:00.000+02:00

For her first international property, Orman has selected an apartment in the über-plush and exclusive The Cliffs development in Northcliff, Johannesburg.

Read more at: http://www.investmentbroker.co.za/news/detailed/12

Showhouse uptick

2010-01-20T15:50:00.001+02:00

FROM : Adrienne Hersch

SUBJECT : Showhouses Getting Busier

Most of our agents are reporting a much higher showhouse attendance than was experienced in 2009 or even in 2008, with some properties having as much as 47 potential buyers going through one particular property.

Adrienne Hersch, CEO of ADRIENNE HERSCH PROPERTIES says, “The last two Sundays our agents were inundated with visitors and quite overwhelmed with enquiries, which is a pleasant change to the four or five visitors we had in the past”

Adrienne added, “Our agents found it exhilarating that they had to scramble to get all the names of the visitors, and at the same time dealing with questions from the various interested parties.”

This time of the year is normally the time that people change jobs or children change schools, coupled with the challenges of travelling in the traffic that gets people scouting for something new or closer to work.

It seems as if 2010 started with people feeling definitely more positive about the near future and are prepared to start looking at upgrading or moving to more appropriate housing to suit their needs.

“Buyers are still spoilt for choice, with a lot of homes on the market, but not for too long says Adrienne”. “As soon as there is an equal number of buyers as sellers, we will see a sharp increase in property prices, which we feel will start in the third quarter of 2010.”

Adrienne Hersch 011-728 7013

The Adrienne Hersch year end do - 2009.

2010-01-18T18:11:00.001+02:00

The Adrienne Hersch year end do - 2009.

tighting the noose - further regulation of estate agents

2010-01-13T17:02:00.001+02:00

Category: Top Stories Date Added: 13 January 2010 LINDA ENSOR

Political Correspondent

NEW legislation to tighten up the regulation of estate agents is on the agenda of the Department of Trade and Industry this year.

A draft policy for the industry will be released to stakeholders later this month for them to make input.

The industry is regulated by the Estate Agencies Affairs Act of 1976, which trade and industry deputy director-general Zodwa Ntuli said was “very backward” and out of date.

In particular, the act did not deal effectively with unscrupulous estate agents who swindled clients out of money and then simply moved on and opened up a new business under a different name, he said.

If estate agents were caught, they could only be charged criminally and even then the fines were “so ridiculously” low that they would not deter anyone as crooks could simply budget for the penalty, which is a fine not exceeding R5000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or both.

Ntuli also said it was unsatisfactory that the fidelity fund maintained by the Estate Agents Affairs Board to protect consumers — to which all registered estate agents had to contribute — was sometimes used to compensate the clients of fraudulent, unregistered agents who had not contributed to it.

The current act did not address this anomaly.

“We need to create a balance between requiring registered members to contribute to the fund while at the same time empowering the authorities to deal severely with those who are not registered, as they are the ones who are a liability to the industry,” Ntuli said.

The many cracks and loopholes in the system had to be tightened up and the fragmentation of the regulatory regime addressed.

Some aspects of the act could be more appropriately administered by the new Consumer Protection Act.

The lines of responsibility for the training and accreditation of estate agents were also a bit blurred between the trade and industry and housing departments and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority. “What happens now is that you have forum shopping,” Ntuli said. “When things are not clear, people can choose which department to go to, to suit their own purposes. This makes the management and enforcement of this industry a bit difficult.”

The profile of an Estate Agent

2009-11-05T11:14:00.001+02:00

Real estate barriers breaking down, survey shows

29 September 2009

Transformation in SA’s real estate industry is speeding up, a new survey shows.

The results of the just-released poll show that black agents now make up 10% of the total, compared with just under 4% five years ago, when the number of agents registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) was roughly the same as it is currently.

“In real terms the increase means that the number of black agents registered has risen from about 2000 to around 4200,” says Dr Willie Marais, national president of the Institute of Estate Agents (IEASA) “and we are delighted at this growth, which we see as an important sign of that the residential property market overall is becoming more integrated.

“It reflects not only the rising percentage of black buyers in the market but the fact that the divide between the so-called township markets and the traditional suburban markets is narrowing, with more people now transferring freely from one to the other.

“Indeed, this is underlined by a further finding of the survey, that 18% of all agents, or almost one in five, now include township homes in their marketing mix alongside suburban houses, sectional title and cluster homes, retirement units and agricultural properties.”

The 2009 survey, conducted by an independent researcher with the backing of IEASA and Property24 as well as the EAAB, is the second such poll ever conducted in the SA real estate industry, the first having been done in 2004.

Distributed to 42 000 agents registered with the EAAB, it probed a wide range of characteristics of agents and agencies, including demographics, business activities and technology usage, as well as compensation structures and although participation was entirely voluntary, it drew a strong response.

This revealed among other things that the typical SA agent is aged between 35 and 55 (54%); married with two children (72%) and earns R13 000 or less a month (54%) by working on a commission-split basis in an independent agency (74%). IEASA will release further findings over the next few weeks.

Issued by the

Institute of Estate Agents of SA

The EAAB declares an official dispute.

2009-11-03T18:23:00.000+02:00

The Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) wishes to advise that it has formally declared an intergovernmental dispute with the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA) in terms of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005.

The dispute between the two organs of state arises from various activities engaged in by the SSETA from time to time with reference to the estate agency profession and the training of estate agents which, not only exceeds the legislative mandate of the SSETA but, also, undermines the standing and authority of the EAAB in the exercise of its powers and functions as the statutory regulator and professional body for estate agents.

The EAAB can only conclude that the SSETA seeks unlawfully to intrude on its autonomy, infringe both the rule of law and the principle of cooperative governance, exercise purported powers in an unlawful and unauthorised manner, engage in illegal self-help and, generally, act in a manner unbecoming an organ of state.

The parties to the dispute are now be required to convene a meeting to determine the nature of the dispute, to identify mechanisms or procedures to assist in the settling of the dispute and to agree on such mechanisms and procedures for this purpose and to designate a person to act as facilitator in settling the dispute.

The EAAB will make every endeavour possible to resolve the dispute with the SSETA in compliance with the constitutional obligations to do so imposed on organs of state and for the benefit of the estate agency profession and allied stakeholders.

Issued by: The Estate Agency Affairs Board

Contact: Ms. Portia Mofikoe

Portia.Mofikoe@eaab.org.za

Date: 2 November 2009

Print giving way to the Web in SA real estate

2009-11-02T13:58:00.002+02:00

30 October 2009

Print is steadily losing ground as the Internet becomes the number one advertising medium for estate agents, a new survey shows.

The results of the just-released poll show that local or community newspapers are now the only print options that command more support than the Internet, with 54% of agents regularly placing adverts in these papers while 47% make use of online property portals to showcase their stock.

What is more, 74 percent of agents now also regard their company websites as important advertising channels.

By contrast, only 34% of agents advertise in the property magazines that are distributed for free, and only 29% support the weekly property supplements to major newspapers. Even fewer make use of glossy property magazines (15%) and just a handful (3%) ever advertise on TV.

“To a large extent, this sharp shift towards online advertising is a result of the property market downturn,” says Dr Willie Marais, national president of the Institute of Estate Agents (IEASA). “With sales and income way down, agents and agencies have been forced to cut costs wherever possible, and print advertising has always been one of the biggest items of expenditure for most real estate companies.

“Consequently, they have turned more and more to Internet advertising, which is relatively low-cost and sometimes even free, and has several other advantages too, including global reach and a much longer ‘shelf-life’ for each ad, which can remain on view as long as a property remains unsold.”

Agents have also discovered the joys of interactivity, he says, with most property portals offering a ‘matching’ service that immediately advises potential buyers of new listings that match their home search criteria, as well as the facility for those who are interested in a particular listing to instantly contact the agent via email or SMS.

“And then there is the greater manageability of online listings, with agents being able to instantly upload a new photo, for example, or to change price and other details that may make the property more attractive to potential buyers.”

Indeed it is not surprising, Marais says, that many agencies have in recent years actually diverted resources from print advertising to developing, fine-tuning and promoting their own websites to local and global audiences.

The 2009 real estate survey, conducted by an independent researcher with the backing of IEASA and Property24 as well as the Estate Agency Affairs Board, is the second such poll ever conducted in the SA real estate industry, the first having been done in 2004 – when only 62% of agents were using the Internet to advertise.

Besides advertising preferences, the research probed a wide range of characteristics of agents and agencies, including demographics, business activities and compensation structures. It was distributed to 42 000 agents registered with the EAAB and although participation was entirely voluntary, it drew a strong response.

Issued by the
Institute of Estate Agents of SA

Property prices on the rise.

2009-10-14T15:42:00.002+02:00

Ooba's price index rose 1,89% year on year Sept 08 to Sept 09. The ave price was R791 478 a year ago and last month R 806 494. Have we turned the corner?

New blood for the Johannesburg Metro branch of IEASA

2009-10-11T16:55:00.001+02:00

PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release)

The move towards professionalising the Real Estate industry received another boost this week with the unanimous election of Charl Heydenrych as chairman of the Jhb Metro branch of the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA). Since he passed the board examinations in the early 90’s he has been involved in the property industry. Lately as a Skills Development Facilitator for some of the leading agencies in the region.

Currently IEASA has 5 500 members – the Jhb Metro branch, which potentially represents the highest proportion of this membership, has the lowest. Mr Heydenrych said of this situation: “We will only be taken seriously as a professional industry if we are truly represented by the number of our members.” He added: “Specifically in this region there have been many attempts to unify the voice of the players in the field – without much success. But now, in the light of recent developments on the regulatory front it is imperative for estate agents to act in unison.”

He urged members of the profession to throw their weight behind the new committee which is not only embarking on a drive to get new members, but also plans to canvass member views on issues that affect the industry. “While the recent spat between the Services Seta and the EAAB has had an effect on the ongoing attempts to professionalise the industry, it has also provided us as real estate agents the opportunity to mobilise and contribute to the future landscape of the industry – not just to act as spectators but as drivers of our own destiny” said Heydenrych.

The IEA was founded in 1937 to promote professional standards in the estate agency industry. Over the years it has introduced many training courses, established a recognised code of ethics for its members, and fought for industry interests. Membership is voluntary and, in the interests of the public, they are bound by a strict code of ethical standards.

The Jhb Metro branch is looking to expand the range of services to agents, from training and information sharing events, to assistance with obtaining the new qualifications and supporting new blood into the industry through Seta and DOL sponsored learnership programmes.

The Jhb Metro branch of IEASA can be contacted on 011 431 4107 or admin@ieasajhbmetro.co.za.

8 October 2009

The Sole Mandate

2009-09-17T15:48:00.001+02:00

http://www.property24.com/articles/advice/guest-experts/The-point-of-sole-mandate/4143

Property Sector guide launched

2009-09-15T17:26:00.003+02:00

The South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) has launched a new grounbreaking document to help black service providers to the property sector. Make use of these contractors and score BBBEE points!

http://www.contractorsguide.co.za

Property Trends

2009-09-15T08:44:00.000+02:00

www.myagent.co.za/property_trends/

Exciting Seminars

2009-09-10T10:25:00.000+02:00

http://www.saptg.co.za/easy_as_pie_online.pdf

Bond Calculator

2009-08-15T14:30:00.000+02:00

http://bondcalculators.co.za/repayment-calculator.htm

Get your new qualification as soon as possible

2009-07-28T15:28:00.001+02:00

COLUMN FOR PROPERTY PROFESSIONAL
June 2009

Get your new qualification as soon as possible

Wherever you go and whoever you speak to in the real estate industry these days, the major topic of conversation is surprisingly not the state of the economy, or even the banks’ unusually tough lending criteria, but the Department of Trade and Industry’s new education and training requirements for agents.

These came into effect last July and have already caused many people (including, hopefully, most of the fly-by-nights) to leave the industry for good, and bring the number of registered agents crashing down from 84 000 to 38 000 in the past two years.

They are also costing many of those agents who remain in the industry a great deal of time and money to obtain – at a time when things are particularly tight financially. In fact, the total training bill for those agents currently registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) can be estimated at close on R400m – and that does not include the fortunes spent by training providers on developing their learning programmes and course material for accreditation by the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA)

Consequently, it is not surprising that recent moves by the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) to earn further income from those trying to get qualified has been particularly badly received.

The issue came to light a few weeks ago, when reports began to emerge of agents being told by the EAAB that the qualifications they were obtaining from certain training providers accredited by the SSETA would not satisfy Department of Trade and Industry regulations for registration by the EAAB. The effect of this would be that the agents concerned who had completed the NQF4 qualification or the RPL process through such a training provider would not be able to obtain a Fidelity Fund Certificate after the cut-off date of 2011 and would thus would not legally be able to practise.

It subsequently emerged that the EAAB was trying to make the purchase of its own 800-page textbook a prerequisite for agents’ new qualifications to be recognised. It also issued a directive to various training providers that the book was to be used exclusively as the basis for their learning programmes or their qualifications would not be recognised for the purposes of registration with the EAAB or qualifying for a Fidelity Fund Certificate.

This prompted a swift reaction from the SSETA, whose CEO Ivor Blumenthal has pointed out in two strongly-worded letters to training providers and estate agencies that:
* The EAAB has no authority to question the validity of estate agent NQF4 and NQF5 level qualifications offered by any training provider that has been accredited by the SSETA - which is the only organisation officially delegated by the SA Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to accredit real estate industry training providers.
* The EAAB has no authority to dictate any particular curriculum or learning material to any training provider that has been accredited by the SSETA, or is seeking accreditation. In fact the principle of the accreditation process is that the training provider must develop its own course material and learning programmes.
* The EAAB is not entitled to make the use of its textbook compulsory in order for estate agents to be registered or issued with a Fidelity Fund Certificate. The book in any case contains no reference to the curriculum design process inherent in the SAQA accreditation process, and nor has it been accredited as formal learning material for the new NQF4 and NQF5 qualifications for agents.

The SSETA, says Blumenthal, will be meeting with the DTI to resolve these issues, which it has already taken up with the EAAB, but in the meanwhile, agents should be very clear that as long as they have obtained their NQF4 qualification from a training provider accredited by the SSETA, that qualification will be a SAQA-approved national qualification.

He also says agents should disregard “any and all” indications that such qualifications will not meet the DTI regulation for EAAB registration, and urges training providers to continue their activities in terms of their original conditions of accreditation.

As chairman of the board of the Real Estate Chamber of the SSETA, I support the decision by the SSETA to also obtain a legal opinion on these actions by the EAAB, so that clarity can be obtained on the correct processes, and have also said that IEASA will continue to be involved in the process of searching for a solution.

As things stand, the IEASA regions around the country are strongly promoting the new qualifications and working with accredited training providers to ensure that members obtain the necessary training as soon as possible, in many cases with the aid of a SSETA bursary.

For new agents and those with less than a year’s experience, the route to qualification is quite simply an NQF4 course and an exam pass. For others, however, the process is a somewhat more complicated as it involves assembling the necessary material to obtain a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment and quite often some classroom time to fill in the “gaps” in the knowledge needed to obtain the new qualification.

Meanwhile, progress is also being made with establishing the unit standards for the NQF5 qualification for agency principals and the NQF7 qualification which may relieve agents with more than 10 years’ experience from having to go through the RPL process. The real bottleneck here currently is the lack of people qualified to moderate and assess agents at these levels, but we are confident that this will be resolved within the next few months.

*For more details about the new qualifications and training requirements, agents should contact their nearest IEASA regional office, or visit www.ieasa.org.za

(Received via e-mail from Anthony vd Riet)

Study Guides for the NQF level 4 qualification for Real estate practioners are now available

2009-06-01T17:05:00.004+02:00

They are available from the EAAB at R 490 (incl VAT).

They look impressive - at this point I would say well done to those that made it happen!

Zimbabwe here we come: The thin edge

2009-05-10T08:19:00.002+02:00

Geoff Doidge, the minister of public works, did not want to lose momentum with the Expropriation Bill, which was withdrawn from the parliamentary process in September, he said on Friday. My question is "What effect is tthis going to have on investors?"

Work would continue on the legislation and the consultation process would be reopened.

Doidge acknowledged arguments that the bill was unconstitutional, but "some of the legal opinions I have been reading indicate that it is not unconstitutional", he said. My view is that the use of force to achieve social objectives were wrong during the Apartheid era and are wrong for our current democracy. Any deviation from that should be avoided.

Doidge, a former house chairman of the national assembly who was appointed minister a month ago, said the reworked bill would be put to Nedlac, the government, labour and business negotiating chamber. He hoped to forge a consensus on the legislation, between the Nedlac partners.

The legislation was sent back to the government by the national assembly's public works portfolio committee because there had not been sufficient consultation and the committee had concerns about unconstitutionality.

The land affairs department says the legislation is needed to fast-track land reform because land acquisition costs are rising exponentially as the 2014 deadline for transferring 30 percent of arable agricultural land to the previously disadvantaged draws closer.

South Africa has redistributed about 5 million hectares of the 25 million hectares so far.

Doidge expected the legislation, which was first tabled in April and became subject to some stormy hearings in June, to come before parliament again after the elections next year.

The original Expropriation Act of 1975 regulates only the expropriation of land for public purposes, while the new bill suggests the addition of the expression "in the public interest". What happened to the willing buyer willing seller concept? Force should not be used - it could be the spark for farm invasions and other Zimbabwe like abuses.

It sets up an expropriation advisory board operating at national and regional levels, according to the Sabinet Law website.

The chief justice should appoint a panel of judges to adjudicate disputes, Doidge said.

Reading for Real estate agents

2009-05-09T19:57:00.001+02:00

http://www.realestatebusinessplanningguide.com/feed/recommended-reading.htm

The questions and the answers

2009-03-13T17:36:00.001+02:00

Clive,

I need to come across a bit more convincing on the following issues – can you help?

What is the current status of the level 5 qualification for principals.
Are any materials available relating to the level 4 qualification. Where can I get information relating to FAIS for example? (the content relating to the other Unit Standards also, if available).
I heard that the professional designation examination is going to be removed as a compulsory requisite to practice as an Estate Agent – is that true?

==================================================================================
Dear Charl,

Many thanks for your e-mail, the contents of which have been noted. I would advise as follows:

1. The SSETA is presently in the process of preparing the necessary RPL instruments and facilitator, assessor and moderator guides for the NQF Level 5 qualification. Once these have been completed the EAAB will be in a position to commence the writing of the study material for the National Certificate: Real Estate, as it has done with the NQF Level 4 material. The SSETA has undertaken to expedite the process to ensure that the NQF Level 5 qualification is up and running as soon as possible.

2. The Study Guide for the Professional Estate Agent: NQF Level 4 has now been finalised and the printing of this comprehensive work (which runs to 800 pages) has commenced. It is hoped that the work will be available for sale to estate agents, RPL candidates and learners by 1 April 2009. The unit standard dealing with FAIS is fully dealt with in the work.

3. It is amazing how these strange stories start. There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that the PDE is going to be removed. An examination such as the PDE is, in fact, essential for any profession and it is hoped that the first PDE for non-principal estate agents will be held on 18 June 2009. The removal of the PDE as a requirement for estate agents would, in any event, require an amendment to the education regulations by the Department of Trade and Industry and this is certainly not on the cards.

I do hope that this assists you.

Kind regards,

Clive

Clive Ashpol HonsBA, MBL, LLB, LLM

Education and Training Department

ESTATE AGENCY AFFAIRS BOARD

If you can help me to be able to answer these questions I will appreciate it.

New on the Market: Developers, investors, commercial

2008-12-16T09:36:00.000+02:00

http://21rose.blogspot.com/

Can't find that telephone number?

2008-12-10T16:49:00.000+02:00

Try this:

http://cellphoned.blogspot.com/

and let me know how it works for you.

Any similarities with accrediting Estate Agents?

2008-11-09T09:28:00.007+02:00

Read from the bottom to the top. Double click on the image to zoom in.

THE SERVICES SETA CONFERENCE - Photos

2008-11-01T10:56:00.001+02:00

Go to http://traininggoingson.blogspot.com/

What should the Real Estate industry do to prevent this?

2008-10-28T10:21:00.003+02:00

I believe that the professional body - here I mean the Institute for Estate Agents should act as a watchdog and have its own systems and procedures in place to ensure that a person that is a member of the institute meets a given set of quality control requirements. One of theses methods would be that the IEA not recognise the results of training providers that have been implicated in dubious practices.

OOBA - another useful site for the property consumer.

2008-10-19T08:24:00.001+02:00

http://www.ooba.co.za/site/index/bond

This is neat!

2008-10-14T18:15:00.002+02:00

Virtual Tours - Vizmark Virtual Tours 082 900 4301

http://www.vizmark.co.za/#

Professionalisation of the industry - a view.

2008-10-08T08:51:00.001+02:00

A short article on professionalisation of the industry in SA: http://www.realestateinvestor.com/media/blog/4696/

The residential property market by FNB

2008-10-01T12:56:00.001+02:00

First National Bank provides you with an insight into the residential property market in South Africa via our new quarterly review - the FNB Residential Property Barometer.

The information in this quarterly property report is gathered from local real estate professionals and covers residential property market activity, perceptions and expectations. So, whether you are a buyer, a seller or just curious, you can now get a reliable and accurate source of information on the residential property market.

https://www.fnb.co.za/personal/borrow/homeloans/quarterlyReview.html

A new report on Housing.

2008-09-27T16:17:00.000+02:00

http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=566&fArticleId=4627720

Anthony van der Riet

2008-09-17T14:36:00.003+02:00

Strutting his stuff at the first Jhb Metro Branch meeting on 17 September 2008. The topic was the new Qualification for Estate Agents. He, together with Charl Heydenrych explained how the Institute could help them to attain the qualification. Charl stressed the use of accredited providers in the process and that the Institute will act as a source of information to help make things easy for members.

IEASA - National Conference

2008-09-02T11:53:00.004+02:00

You should have been there.

Even if it was only to hear Dr. Willie Marais, current Chairman if the Institute, give the 250 odd delegates a run down on the state of the profession.

He gave a broad brush of the activities as it relates to the S.A. Real Estate Proffession's relationships, alliances and bonds - Regionally, Nationally and Internationally.

A prticular highlight was in the area of corporate governance where Kate Colsell's persistence resulted in an updated Board Charter and Regional Operations Manual. This together with a strengthened regional structure should ensure good governance and play the vital role on municipal and local level protecting the rights of agents.

On an International Level Dr Marais praised the work of his predecessor Bill Rawson that laid the groundwerk to an improved relationship and Liason with the NAR.

Nancy Macaluso and Tony Macaluso (together with a video message Norman Flynn of the IRPF) interspersed the talk to outline some of the commercial and educational benefits of an international bond between the organisations.

On a little discordant note Dr Marais alluded to the impact that the OFO (Organising Framework of Occupations) is going to have on the implementation of the newly promulgated regulations - he believes that it was somewhat premature to have done it now when the systems to deal with them have not been put in place in the right sequence and forethought. In the same vein he regretted the less than optimal relationship that exist btween the EAAB and the profession.

Many other points were eloquently touched upon - the relationship with SAPOA, SAFRE and other professional bodies; the positive relationships with financial institutions (ABSA, Bond Choice); the relationship with the Services SETA; the Property Charter Council and so on.

My view is that while Unity is Strength, we still have too few members to really be the force to be reckoned with to keep the burocrats at bay and have a thriving profession (and a resultant vibrant propertry industry).

Let us get together.

Charl Heydenrych
2 September 2008

Trading illegally?

2008-08-23T13:32:00.000+02:00

http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=240173

IEASA - JHB Metro

2008-08-23T07:24:00.004+02:00

An early morning meeting - Anthony van der Riet and Anne Fry discussing the shape of the moon before the first inaugural board meeting of the newly constituted "JHB Metro" branch of the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa on Friday 22 August 2008.

A board was constituted at this meeting and some inititial portfolio allocations made. We will keep you posted with breaking news!

(Photo taken by Charl Heydenrych)

EAAB - IMBIZOs

2008-08-13T09:48:00.000+02:00

http://www.eaab.org.za/article.php?a_id=56

Equivalency/Exemptions Matrix for Further Education and Training Certificate: Real Estate (NQF Level 4) SAQA QUAL ID 59097

2008-08-12T23:24:00.003+02:00

Equivalency/Exemptions Matrix for Further Education and Training Certificate: Real Estate (NQF Level 4) SAQA QUAL ID 59097

If you want it - send me an email - proplib@tiscali.co.za - and I will forward it to you. Just received it from the Property Chamber at the Services SETA.

Simpiwe Piliso - sensationalist about the rental market.

2008-07-27T18:25:00.005+02:00

In an article in the Sunay Times (p5, July 27 2008) the reporter used a series of emotive words and phrases to describe the behaviour of property owners in the rental market:

The following words were used: " - but they are sqeezing tenants to cover their bonds", " as landlords demand exorbitant rates" "only nine years ago" - my God, nine years ago one could buy a tin of jam for sixpence...

Simpiwe, also makes the error many times in his article about high "asking" prices(or on offer or on the market). Any first year economics student will tell him and any agent using similar terms, is that it is not the price asked that matters, but the price at which the transaction takes place.

He also makes it sound like a crime if one manages to cover ones bond with the rental as if that is the only cost variable the owner has to contend with.

I would have expected more facts and comparable figures in an article of this nature.

Yes, the rental market seems to be robust - but in a stuation of choice an exorbitant price is the same as affordable if the deal is struck and not a price if no deal is made.

Free the Market

2008-07-26T08:57:00.000+02:00

Why would one not be a free market capitalist?

If , in a market economy, the government simply allows and then protects the private ownership of property and the right to the voluntary exchange of labour, goods and services through consenting participants. A society of peace and stability within which people live their lives without fear of confiscation through taxes and expropriation for the common good. Where willing buyers and sellers meet in an unfettered marketplace where the value of goods and services are determined by buyers and sellers that are allowed to trade freely without subsidies and price controls, tariffs and special licences and controls to stem the free flow of ideas and goods and services.

If, in a free market economy people can trade with their property and labour in any way they see fit, as long as they not act in a way that would infringe on others to be have in a similar way and without force or the threat of force or acting in a fraudulent way. Where individuals take responsibility for their actions and cause no damage to others lives and property. Where there is a free movement of goods and services between nations and states.

A free market capitalist society where the role of the state is not to promote the interest of any one group, where it sees its role as the protector of property rights of all and cherishes individual liberty and the rights of groups to promote their groups as long as it does not done in a way that it offends basic human and individual rights.

A free market where economic growth is high because of a low tax regime, where people spend more time and effort on creating wealth than on efforts to protect themselves from the tax authorities. Where the government upholds a policy of protecting the value of the currency and therefore takes no inflationary actions. Where nobody is granted any special privileges on the basis of race or gender and there are no special subsidies, tax consessions, import controls, tariff protections granted to favour some special interest groups. Where political power and influence is curtailed to the essential services of foreign relations, the army, the judiciary and internal safety and security.

A free market where rules are kept simple and understandable, where you would not find unrealistic building, zoning, and other restrictions on trade and costly process involved in setting up of businesses, the subdivision of land and the meeting onerous regulatory requirements when starting enterprises.

A society where the government allows communities and sub-communities a bigger say in those decisions that affect them directly. Why not free market capitalism?

Liaises Faire.

Charl Heydenrych

EAAB presentation.

2008-07-22T17:33:00.003+02:00

Do you want the presentation in Power Point that the EAAB give on their road show about the new dispensation?

Email me and I will send you the file on the new FETC: Real Estate.

Suspensive and resolutive conditions

2008-07-15T11:31:00.004+02:00

This is an extract from a court case that you can access through the "Palette" - a Free Resource Guide (Part of the Paint by Numbers programme) to help you attain the FETC: Real Estate - a quick and easy way!

5.2 Suspensive and resolutive conditions
A suspensive condition suspends the operation of all or some of the obligations flowing from the contract until the happening of a future, uncertain event. A resolutive condition, on the other hand, terminates all or some of the obligations flowing from the contract upon the happening of a future and uncertain event. (See R H Christie: The Law of Contract, 4th Edition, at page 159; President Land Trust Ltd v Union Government (Minister of Mines) 1911 AD 615 at 627-628.) Whether a conditional clause in a contract is suspensive or resolutive is a matter of construction. It will depend on the intention of the parties as expressed in the language of the contract. (See: Worman v Hughes and Others 1948 (3) SA 495 (A) at 505; Van Pletsen v Henning 1913 AD 82 at 89; Van Jaarsveld v Coetzee 1973 (3) SA 241 at 244E-F.) The words “subject to” in contractual settings are usually used to denote a suspensive condition, but depending on the context, it could also denote a resolutive condition or simply a material term as opposed to a suspensive or resolutive condition. (Panabourne Properties Ltd v Ramsdon 1996 (1) SA 1182 (A) at 1188A.)

THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (CAPE OF GOOD HOPE PROVINCIAL DIVISION) CASE No: 10352/2005 In the matter between: KARTHIGASEN NARAIN (First Applicant) SABASHNEE NARAIN (Second Applicant) and FINEPROPS 1074 CC (Respondent)

Need an offer to purchase form?

2008-07-12T17:48:00.001+02:00

Try this one:

http://www.offertopurchase.co.za/index.php

A little philosophy lesson before learning about FICA and the National Credit Act

2008-07-12T10:53:00.003+02:00

Both a knowledge of FICA and the NCA are Unit Standards that need to be mastered when doing yet another government imposed requirement on entrepreneurs - FETC:Real Estate. Read this article to put things in perspective when pondering the low rate og economic growth in South Africa.

“Market Fundamentalists” – who are they?

Churchill said that people occasionally stumble upon truth, but pick themselves up and press on. Josh Billings said the trouble with people isn’t their ignorance, it’s the number of things they know that just ain’t so. Ayn Rand stumbled upon something everyone knows that just ain’t so, but picked herself up and pressed on. The counter-intuitive truth she stumbled upon in her monumental novel, Atlas Shrugged, is that the world’s real “market fundamentalists” are anti-capitalists. They have more faith in capitalism than capitalists.

Rand calls entrepreneurs, “people of the mind”. Through efficient competitive enterprises these “true” capitalists create wealth. Their nemeses are “the looters”, wealth-consuming politicians, bureaucrats and hangers-on, including “crony” capitalists, beneficiaries of government patronage.

Atlas Shrugged is such a significant book that people should not be considered educated if they haven’t read it – over twenty million sold, with several readers per copy; the world’s “best novel” according to a Random House reader survey; after the Bible, the book that most affected readers’ lives according to a Library of Congress survey. Rand and millions of readers, including me forty years ago, pressed on from the truth upon which she’d stumbled.

Truth in fiction
In Atlas Shrugged, as in reality, virtually everything done by the state is characterised by incompetence, and real or suspected corruption. As in South Africa, Atlas Shrugged’s “looters” call on “the people of the mind” to help them fix their mess. They ask Rand’s capitalist heroes to run the economy as successfully as they run their businesses. But Rand’s capitalists are more than entrepreneurs, they are philosophical capitalists, so they decline and point out that the endemic failure of government isn’t the absence of competence or good faith, but the inevitable perverse incentives of interventionism.

Interventionists of all ilks regard capitalism as virtually indestructible. For pro-market liberals it is fragile – interventions and taxes subvert efficiency, bankrupt marginal business, inflict destitution and unemployment on marginal labour, and turn consumers into victims of the road to hell paved with consumer protection intentions.

In Atlas Shrugged and in reality, the anti-capitalistic mentality has an incredibly flattering conception of entrepreneurs. They believe entrepreneurs will, as if by magic, produce an endless flow of technology, products, wealth, taxes and jobs, regardless of what regulators throw at them. Instead of doing anything useful, entrepreneurs “exploit” society by way of ingenious, mysterious and nefarious stratagems. The supposed liberty of consumers and employees in free markets to decline what entrepreneurs offer, is illusory. Anti-capitalist faith in the ingenuity and indestructibility of markets is more appropriately called “market fundamentalism” than the anguished pro-market realism of free marketers. They literally believe in miracles, that capitalists can produce benefits without costs.

Free lunch fantasies
Interventionism is a grand “free lunch” fantasy whereby confiscatory taxes and incredibly costly controls, such as the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS), the National Credit Act (NCA) and a deluge of health care interventions, have no adverse impact on the provision of services, credit and health care. When economic liberals protest, interventionists have such confidence in capitalists that they cannot imagine sceptics as anything other than bad faith “fronts for big business”.

This curious confidence in capitalists explains why interventionists press on regardless of “unintended consequences”. When the disappearance of financial services for all except the rich follows FAIS, or no credit for people who need it most follows the NCA, and when none of the predicted benefits materialise, and everyone is reconciled to the characteristic incompetence of government, market liberals lament that “we told you so”, and interventionists blame “market failure”. It never occurs to them that a deluge of regulatory imposts could have negative effects, because they imagine capitalists to be God-like miracle-makers.

“Looters” often pay capitalism the ultimate compliment by imitating it. When they resort to charging for government-supplied water, supplying electricity through a state-owned company, and throw billions of Rands taxed from “people of the mind” at loss-making nationalised airlines, they call it “privatisation”, “commercialisation”, “corporatisation” “deregulation” and “PPPs”. Conversely, no one suggests improving the market by imitating government.

Instead of discontinuing failed policies, “looters” espouse increasingly extreme interventions. Failed “land reform” is what “true” capitalists expect from anti-market land policies. “Looters”, as Rand’s apt name for them predicts, not only ignore the stupendous potential for empowerment of upgrading all black-held land to freehold and redistributing the state’s superfluous land, they attribute their failure to being insufficiently Mugabeesque. Their “solution” is more of what’s failed: willing buyer-unwilling seller looting.

Gang rape
The fundamentalist faith of “looters” in capitalism explains why they are so sanguine about increasingly extreme measures. “Organised business” responds with costly lobbying for amelioration. It achieves awkward compromises in smoke-free rooms. This gives the impression that business “supports” anti-business policies. The process is like a gang intending to gang-rape a woman responding to her pleading by deciding that she will be raped only by the gang leader. The view that business “supports” interventions amounts to saying she “agrees” to sex with her rapist. Usually “crony” capitalists negotiate regulatory threats into sufficient protection against competitors and innovators to off-set new costs and risks.

People are entitled to their own opinions, not their own facts. Whether capitalists are fearsome super-humans to be subjugated by extreme measures, or vulnerable entrepreneurs easily subverted by disincentives, is a matter of opinion. That there are no “free lunches” is a fact, which means that, notwithstanding compromises between “looters” raping markets and their victims, all interventions have costs. Whether benefits exceed costs is also a matter of fact, and the fact is that freer markets out-perform less-free markets by every objectively indexed criterion.

Author: Leon Louw is the Executive Director of the Free Market Foundation. This article may be republished without prior consent but with acknowledgement to the author. The views expressed in the article are the author’s and are not necessarily shared by the members of the Foundation.

From Meumann White - a useful resource for agents wishing to attain the FETC:Real Estate

2008-07-11T14:36:00.002+02:00

TABLE OF CONTENTS - http://www.meumannwhite.co.za/property_law_update.pdf
A PROPERTY LAW UPDATE PRESENTED BY BRUCE FORREST OF ATTORNEYS MEUMANN WHITE

BUYING THROUGH TRUSTS, COMPANIES AND CLOSE CORPORATIONS

COOLING-OFF CLAUSE

CAN A PURCHASER WITHDRAW HIS OFFER AT ANY TIME

HOW CRUCIAL IS THE COMMUNICATION OF AN ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER TO THE OFFEROR

TRANSFER DUTY

CLAIM FOR COMMISSION

HOUSING CONSUMERS PROTECTION MEASURES ACT 95 OF 1998 (NHBRC)
PROPERTY OWNING COMPANIES OR CLOSE CORPORATIONS WHICH ARE REGISTERED VAT VENDORS

CAPITAL GAINS TAX (CGT)

RENTAL HOUSING ACT

SALE OF REAL RIGHTS BY A DEVELOPER

FICA AND THE ESTATE AGENCY BUSINESS

AMENDMENTS TO THE TRANSFER DUTY ACT IN RESPECT OF NOMINATIONS AND TRIPARTITE AGREEMENTS

SHARE BLOCK CONVERSIONS : TRANSFER DUTY REFUND

LIABILITY FOR LEVIES ON TRANSFER OF A SECTIONAL TITLE UNIT

SERVITUDES OVER IMMOVABLE PROPERTY AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS

AMENDMENT TO SECTION 14 OF THE TRANSFER DUTY ACT NO. 40 OF 1949

EXCLUSIVE USE AREAS

QUESTIONS ON SECTIONAL TITLE

SLOWING DOWN THE TRANSFER PROCESS

VAT AND PROPERTY

AMMENDMENT TO THE TRANSFER DUTY ACT PERTAINING TO DIVORCED AND SURVIVING SPOUCES

Who am I?

2008-07-10T21:36:00.006+02:00

Just to answer a query -

I am Charl Heydenrych - and I am the Skills Development Facilitator for:

Chas Everitt
Huizemark
Fine and Country Estates
Adrienne Hersch Properties
Whitfield Property Brokers
Gilbert Estates
(and a few others, some not quite in the fold...)

and yes, we will be assisting ANYBODY to meet the requirements of the new regulations that require all agents to have obtained the FET Certificate: Real Estate in the most effective way, by December 2011!

I think I downloaded a CV in a previous post - just scroll down.

Talk to me if you need help in attaining the FETC: Real Estate (SAQA ID 59097)

proplib@tiscali.co.za

The EAAB Roadshow programme to explain the new qualifications for Real Estate Agents

2008-07-04T15:30:00.011+02:00

Click to enlarge.

THE ROADSHOW DATES THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN PUBLISHED HERE HAVE NOT BEEN CONFIRMED - I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED!!!

Email Email me here for
more info. and for a free Adobe copy of the new regulations.

Watch this space for EAAB roadshows on the new FETC: Real Estate Qualification

2008-07-04T13:29:00.002+02:00

The Estate Agency Affairs Board is embarking on a couintry wide series of roadshows to explain the implications of the newly gazetted regulations. I'll be listing the dates and contact details here soon.

New Qualifications Materials!

2008-07-04T04:29:00.001+02:00

The study material for the following core unit standards has now been duly completed by the various authors, namely:

242584 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the FAIS Act as it impacts on a specific financial services sub-sector
242593 Explain South African money laundering legislation and the implications for accountable institutions in transacting with clients
246733 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legislation applicable to real estate practice
246736 Market, sell and lease property
246739 Manage self-development in a real estate environment

Such material must, however, be still reviewed before it can be uploaded to the SETQAA for moderation.

It is law! You need to have the FETC: Real Estate.

2008-06-24T16:49:00.004+02:00

It has been promulgated - all Estate Agents need to meet the requirements set out in the new regulations - the process is starting as from the 15 th July 2008.

Talk to me if you need any help in attaining the Further Education and Training Certificate: Real Estate!

You can relax a little - the deadline for attaining the qualification is December 2011.

Charl Heydenrych

2008-06-20T16:07:00.001+02:00

IS YOUR BODY CORPORATE/ASSOCIATION ADEQUATELY INSURED?

See WHITFIELDS newly posted information regarding this matter on their insurance page.

http://www.whitfields.co.za/insurance/

Mortgage Fraud: The Hickson Story (US)

2008-06-15T22:11:00.001+02:00

"In mortgage-fraud schemes, a property owner obtains a fraudulent appraisal establishing an inflated price for the home, according to the FBI. The owner sells the property to a "straw" buyer, who is a partner in the scam and has taken out a mortgage for the inflated price from a bank unfamiliar with local property values. The seller receives a check from the lender, minus any money owed on the property, which he splits with the buyer. Usually, an appraiser and a mortgage broker also get a cut.

The buyer eventually allows the home to go into foreclosure, leaving the bank with a property worth far less than the mortgage. His or her credit rating will be ruined by the foreclosures, but prosecutions of mortgage fraud have been limited because it's difficult to track, the FBI said."

Read more at: http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette/2008/06/hixon_story.html

Benefits of using an independent Estate Agency

2008-06-14T21:20:00.000+02:00

http://www.rockyvalley.co.za/press/view/21

345 visitors since I started counting! (Today - 12 July 2008)

2008-06-13T18:39:00.006+02:00

300 visitors since I started counting! (Today - 3 July 2008)
200 visitors since I started counting! (On Wed 25 June 2008)
100 visitors since I started counting! (On Friday 13 June 2008)

I wish I had more comments on my posts however - talk to me if you see this or find something interesting or useful or if you have a question or...

Its just nice to get some feeddback!

Here is another useful site - it seems.

2008-06-13T18:34:00.002+02:00

If you have used it - let us know what you think.

http://www.propnetsa.com/propertyinsouthafrica.php

Thanks.

A Genius site - Property Genie

2008-06-11T23:16:00.002+02:00

Have you used this site to find what you want?

http://www.propertygenie.co.za/PG/south-africa/residential-property/

It works like a dream! ...and I am not paid to say this - try it! tell me what YOU think.

Create your own real estate!

2008-06-09T21:53:00.001+02:00

Rich Sowa built an island out of plastic bottles in net bags. Here's a videohttp://seasteading.org/comment/reply/184

Information at your fingertips: W#links

2008-06-09T21:00:00.000+02:00

Information at your fingertips: W#links

Gravity

2008-06-08T21:40:00.002+02:00

A property search engine http://www.g.co.za/

They say: "Every night, our web crawlers scan South Africa's leading estate agent sites and index all the properties they find to our database, so that you can perform the widest possible search for real estate from Cape Town to Johannesburg."

Congratulations

2008-06-08T18:37:00.001+02:00

Congratulations to Seeff Atlantic Seaboard, City Bowl and CBD - specifically MD Ian Slot (082 452 3944, email ianslot@seeff.com) for selling that luxury apartment at a record price!

Should foreigners own land?

2008-06-02T16:17:00.004+02:00

Business Leadership SA submission on Gutto Report on Foreign Land Ownership (for your information)

Last year the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs commissioned a panel of experts, headed by Prof. S. Gutto to investigate and report on Land Ownership by Foreigners in South Africa. If the recommendations contained in the report, are acted on, they will have far reaching effects on the economy and investment in South Africa. You can access the submission from Business Leadership SA prepared in response to the "Gutto Report" which is essential reading for all business leaders by clicking on the link below .

The attached covering letter explains the purpose and thrust of the BLSA submission. (The Free Market Foundation's comment on the report is also accessible in pdf format by clicking on the title below.)

Business Leadership SA Submission on Report and Recommendation by the Panel of Experts on the Development of Policy regarding Land Ownership by Foreigners in South Africa

Free Market Foundation Comment on Report and Recommendations by the Panel of Experts on the Development of Policy regarding Land Ownership by Foreigners in South Africa

Brief Comment on the Quantitative Aspects of the Report and Recommendations by the Panel of Experts on the Development of Policy Regarding Land Ownership by Foreigners in South Africa ("Report") Kind regards

Gail Daus-van WykProject Manager

Just received this in my in-box! I'm publishing it here as a service to the industry.

2008-05-29T15:43:00.003+02:00

----- Original Message -----
From: Michelle Dickens
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 8:14 PM
Subject: [TPN] Rental Property Legal Seminar

RENTAL PROPERTY LEGAL SEMINAR 2008

TPN is proud to host our annual Property Legal Seminar

An invitation to all TPN members - Property Managers, Landlords, Agents, and other interested parties.

TPN remains committed to providing our industry with access to professional and relevant industry information.

We have partnered with Fullard Mayer Morrison Inc. for the 2008 Seminar.

Don't miss this opportunity to get a practical compact session

AGENDA INCLUDES:

Charging interest, penalties and default administration charges

Terminating a monthly lease on notice

Cancelling a lease for breach

Practical aspects of the landlord's tacit hypothec

Working with letters of demand

Reporting a defaulting tenant to the credit bureau: the new rules

Section 31 rent interdict summonses

Section 32 rental attachments

Commercial and residential evictions

Extra-judicial evictions considered

Capita selecta of certain practical aspects: liquidation, sale of building etc

Review of recent court cases and legislative developments impacting on leases

Where and When?

Date:
19th June 2008

Time:
08:30 for 09:00 - 16:30

Venue:
The Theatre on the Track

Address:
1 Monza Place, Kyalami Business Park, Midrand

Cost:
R600 (excl VAT) per delegate

EACH DELEGATE WILL RECEIVE A DOCUMENT PACK COVERING THE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSED

Space is strictly limited and is on a first come, first served basis.

Should you indicate that you wish to attend, a confirmation of registration document and invoice will be despatched by e-mail.

If you have any queries, don't hesitate to contact Michelle or Delia on 0861 876 000, or email them at info@tpn.co.za.

A horror story reported in the SOWETAN today.

2008-05-28T17:02:00.001+02:00

Horror Story

News from the US of A

2008-05-27T18:36:00.001+02:00

Home sales unexpectedly rise in April

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER, AP Economics Writer

On Yahoo News

WASHINGTON - Sales of new homes rose in April for the first time in six months although the unexpected increase still left activity near the lowest level in 17 years.

The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that sales of new homes rose 3.3 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 526,000 units.

But the government revised March activity lower to show an even bigger drop of 11 percent to an annual rate of 509,000, which was the weakest pace for sales since April 1991. Economists believe that new home sales will remain weak for some time as the housing industry struggles with falling prices and rising mortgage foreclosures, which are dumping even more homes on an already glutted market.

The Commerce report showed that the median price of a new home sold in April dropped to $246,100 in April, down 4.2 percent from April 2007.

A separate report showed home prices falling during the first three months of this year at the sharpest rate in two decades. The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index fell 14.1 percent in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, the biggest year-over-year decline since the index began in 1988.

The Commerce report on new home sales showed the April rebound was led by a huge 41.7 percent surge in sales in the Northeast. Sales were up 8.3 percent in the West and 5.8 percent in the Midwest. The only region which saw a decline in sales in April was the South, where sales fell by 2.4 percent.

The inventory of unsold new homes edged down slightly to 10.6 months' supply at the April sales pace, compared with 11.1 months in March. However, the April level was still about double the inventory level that was normal during the five-year housing boom.

That boom ended in 2005 and since that time the housing industry has been struggling in a tough environment with falling sales and prices and rising mortgage defaults.

Economists believe that home prices will remain under pressure until the sizable level of inventories is worked down to more manageable levels. Many analysts don't expect to see a rebound in prices until sometime next year.

CHARL HEYDENRYCH

Brookfield Investments 158 (Pty) Ltd
DIRECTOR

21 Rose Street, Florida 1710
PO Box 2447, Florida Hills 1716
Tel 011 672 9019 082 637 3710
Fax 011 472 0510
Email proplib@tiscali.co.za
http://realestategoingson.blogspot.com/

http://goldmanstokvel.angelfire.com/

Real Estate Agents Galore!

2008-05-24T14:03:00.000+02:00

http://www.yellowpages.co.za/search.jsp?query=Estate+Agents&location=johannesburg