As 2025 begins, many people are setting goals for the year ahead. For some, this includes buying a dream home or selling their current property to move on to the next chapter. Preparation, determination, and follow-through are key to making 2025 the year you achieve your real estate ambitions.
READ: Buying: 3 practical tips for house hunters
“Buying or selling property is a significant life decision, and preparation is key to success, says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. “By setting clear goals and following through on the action items you’ve set for yourself, 2025 could be the year you achieve your property dreams.”
He adds that the first step to achieving your goals is to clearly define them. “It helps to write down your goals so that you have a visual reminder of what you are hoping to achieve. Be specific and add timelines. For example, I want to sell or buy a home before December 2025.”
Next, you need to break down this goal into actionable steps. This will vary depending on whether you are buying or selling a home. RE/MAX of Southern Africa breaks down the various steps you should take in order to reach your buying or selling goals:
Action items for buying a home:
- Establish a budget and get pre-approval for a home loan
- Create a house hunting wish list
- Start saving for transfer duties and other upfront costs
- Set up property alerts on property portals and enlist the help of a real estate agent
Action items for selling a home:
- Attend to all repairs and get the home in good condition
- Declutter, depersonalise and stage the home
- Organise a market assessment of the home to determine its value
- Interview real estate agents and sign a sole mandate with your preferred agent
- Save for the upfront costs of selling (e.g. rates clearance certificate, compliance certificates, etc.)
“Once you are clear on the steps you need to take to reach your goals, you can then focus on checking off each action item one at a time. By consistently making progress and sticking to the plan, you will be able to achieve the goals you have set for yourself,” he states.
Sticking to the goals you have set for yourself can be challenging – but the good thing is that, when it comes to real estate goals, you don’t need to do it alone. “For expert advice and assistance, consider working with a trusted RE/MAX agent who can guide you through the process every step of the way,” says Goslett.
READ: Are you having trouble selling your house? Try this…
According to the Seeff Property Group, (The role of a real estate agent : What you need to know) agents do not only sell or rent property on behalf of their clients, but also have their ear to the ground in terms of what current property values are, how much properties might sell for, and what is happening in the property market.
Always meet the agents in person before appointing them:
This will give you a chance to ask questions and assess the agents. Check how long they have operated in the area. Each area is different and local expertise is a vital point of advantage for any seller.
Look for a successful sales track record:
Ask for a list of their recent sales in the area, how long it took to sell, and the prices achieved. A strong sales record is an important indicator of the likelihood of success and that the agent could find the right buyer for the property.
A strong brand and network is another advantage:
An established brand will have a strong online presence for maximum exposure of your property backed by the latest technology and marketing and sales methodologies. They will use best practice to market and sell your property.
Look for someone who will assist every step of the way:
Selling a property is a complex process with many legalities to be taken care of. A good agent will explain the process and guide the seller to ensure they have all the necessary documents and maintenance done for an efficient selling process.
READ: Safety measures to consider when selling and letting homes
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