Blog | Page 52 | Louw Lochner Properties

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea? Our Advice for Port-Elizabeth Homeowners

April 2, 2022

Reverse mortgages are talked about a lot these days, but are sometimes not that well understood. Basically, a reverse mortgage is a type of mortgage loan secured against a residential property that can provide additional income for retirees, doing so by giving them access to the unencumbered value of their properties. But that doesn’t really … Continued

How to Know if Your Port-Elizabeth Real Estate Agent is Really Helping You or Just in it for the Commission

April 1, 2022

By marthinus

Most real estate agents are honest and upright, doing everything they can to further their clients’ best interests. But, unfortunately, there are always a few bad apples in every barrel. It sometimes happens that an agent is simply chasing a commission rather than seeking the best deal for you as a buyer or seller. So … Continued

5 Things to Look for When Evaluating Offers for Your Port-Elizabeth House

April 1, 2022

By marthinus

Selling a house today is both easier and more difficult than it used to be. It’s easier in that you’ll likely get multiple offers owing to low inventory and buyer competition. It’s more difficult because now you have to evaluate those many offers and choose the best one. And the amount of the offer, the … Continued

Homeowner’s Insurance 101: A Guide for Homebuyers in Port-Elizabeth

January 4, 2022

By marthinus

Homeowners insurance. You know you should probably have it, and if you have a mortgage, you’re required to have it. But how much do you know about it beyond that – what it covers (and does not cover), the types of policies, how much coverage you need? If you’re not familiar with these things, you … Continued

How Long Will the Escrow Process Take: A Guide for Home Sellers in Port-Elizabeth

January 4, 2022

By marthinus

As a home seller, you most likely want to close as soon as possible, and that’s entirely understandable. But there’s that thing known as “escrow” that stands in the way. It’s that period between the time when the purchase contract is signed and closing, during which the seller basically just waits. But many sellers just … Continued

5 Tips to Help You Run Comps for Your House in Port-Elizabeth

January 4, 2022

By marthinus

If you’re ready to sell your home, you have to know what it’s worth in order to price it appropriately. Price too low, and you’ll leave money on the table; price too high, and your home will likely languish on the market unsold. In addition, what your house is worth on the market isn’t necessarily … Continued

4 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Port-Elizabeth Realtor

January 3, 2022

By marthinus

Buying or selling a house will likely be the largest financial transaction of your life. And that means you’ll want the best realtor you can get – one who is a good fit and can get you the best deal possible. Finding the right realtor can be a long, time-consuming process involving getting recommendations, checking … Continued

What is a Home Warranty and Should You Have One When Buying a House in Port-Elizabeth?

January 3, 2022

By marthinus

When you buy a house, there’s a high likelihood you’ll be offered a home warranty. The main selling point for the home warranty is that it will be a good safety net in the event of large, expensive, and unforeseen repairs or replacements. And such a warranty can indeed be a good form of financial … Continued

Understanding the Costs of Working With a Top Port-Elizabeth Real Estate Agent

January 3, 2022

By marthinus

What does it cost home sellers to work with a real estate agent? Some will contend that it costs quite a lot while others will say that it costs very little considering what you get for your money. Just don’t go into it blind. You should have an understanding of how much agent fees/commissions are, … Continued

The Pros and Cons of Dual Agency for Port-Elizabeth Buyers and Sellers

January 2, 2022

By marthinus

Most of the time home buyers and sellers have different agents, but not always. About 10% to 20% of the time, they both use the same agent. This arrangement – when a buyer and a seller both have the same agent – is known as “dual agency.” There are some advantages to dual agency, but … Continued