Global property portal allows agencies to target international buyers and reduce their overheads with free property listings

• Free to list Commercial & Residential property portals now live across ​five countries​ (South Africa, UK, UAE, India & Nigeria)
• Over ​350,000 listings worldwide​ – Aiming for 1 Million by Q4 2019
• Major agents include Annenberg Property Group, Baker Street Properties, Broll, CCH, Chas Everitt and Meridian Realty
• Imminent launches planned for Mainland Europe, China and the Middle EastTwo up-and-coming global property portals Commercial People & Residential People are helping to provide a beacon of hope for real estate agents across the country with their free listings and international coverage

Currently operating operates across South Africa, the UK, UAE, India and Nigeria, Residential People (and its commercial property equivalent Commercial People) are uniquely positioned to attract both local and overseas buyers & investors interested in purchasing property throughout South Africa.

The free to list portals which will also launch across France, Germany, China and other key markets in 2019, is threatening to disrupt the Property24 & Private Property duopoly, offering support for agents across the country struggling to pay the high costs of membership with a radical free to list solution.

In just a few months since their launch, both Commercial & Residential People have attracted some of the biggest names across the property sector including the likes of Broll, CCH, Chas Everitt and more.Commercial & Residential People Co-Director Christopher May says: “We are targeting both merging and established markets alike,“Alongside South Africa, we are currently operating across the UK, UAE and India, and despite our brand infancy, we are well on the way to being one of the biggest portals in the UAE and on the way to becoming one of the largest in India as well.

”“Our USP is simple. Every agent we’ve spoken to is concerned about the rising costs of property portals; Commercial & Residential People are both a free to list global property portal that helps to eliminate some of the expenses agencies face,

”Since launching, Residential People has found that a growing number of searches on its UK site come from prospective overseas buyers looking to relocate here or investors keen to enter the market, this figure is replicated across the South African market as well, with a particular interest in Johannesburg and Cape Town

Mr May continues: “One of our key selling points is that we are international. It is a fact that thousands of properties in certain areas – especially commercial and new build apartments are not being bought by locals but international buyers.”

“In the UAE, for example, after only a few months, we have a 75% market share of all properties.”With the global reach of Residential People, any local South African estate agent can tap into the growing foreign investment across the country, gaining more exposure on their listings for free not only from potential customers in the UK but also from successful expats across the UAE, and soon China.Mr May concludes: “We want to make it abundantly clear that our aim is to work with agents and build an alternative to some of the portals that exist today. While we understand that international attention doesn’t appeal to every South African agent, our nationwide coverage can ensure increased exposure for the local market as well.“ With agents’ support, we are hoping to disrupt the status quo and give agents an alternative to the current duopoly.

When selling your property, it's essential to create an attractive first impression both from the street and inside. By investing some time and effort into improving your home's curb appeal, you can significantly increase its desirability to potential buyers. In this article, we will provide you with several tips and hints to help enhance the overall appeal of your property and make it more enticing to potential buyers.

Exterior Enhancements:

Fences: Ensure that your fences are in good condition. Repair any loose posts and address any holes.

Lawns: Regularly trim your lawns, including the edges. Maintain a lush and weed-free appearance.

Paths, Driveways, and Paved Areas: Remove grease or oil marks and eliminate weeds from cracks or joints. Keep these areas swept and tidy while your property is on the market.

Gardens: Maintain a weed-free garden and ensure your plants look healthy. Fresh mulch can contribute to a well-cared-for appearance, suppress weed growth, and reduce watering needs. Consider adding bright flowers to areas with bare patches. Trim back any overgrown climbing plants.

Trees and Shrubs: Trim dead or leggy branches and remove limbs that obstruct sunlight from windows. This enhances the overall appeal of your home's interior.

Pools and Ponds: Keep your pool clean and sparkling. Ensure that fish ponds and birdbaths are free of weeds.

Patios and Decks: Ensure furniture is in good repair, keep the area clean and free from clutter, and add a few pot plants for extra appeal.

Building Exterior:

Wash Walls, Eaves, and Windows: Clean the exterior surfaces or consider hiring a professional service. Discuss with your agent before deciding to repaint flaking paint, as it may not be worth the cost.

Repair Windows and Screens: Replace broken windows and damaged screens to maintain a well-maintained appearance.

General Yard Maintenance: Remove any rubbish or junk lying around. Neaten compost heaps and ensure they don't attract vermin or bugs. Verify that your sprinkler system is in good working order.

Indoor Improvements:

Thorough Cleaning and Decluttering: Clean each room meticulously and remove any clutter. Consider professional steam cleaning for carpets. Fix any loose or squeaky flooring.

Doors, Windows, and Walls: Ensure all doors and windows open easily and that door handles are in good repair. Clean windows to maximize natural light. Repair damaged tiling or wallpaper and touch up any chipped walls with fresh paint.

Storage Areas: Organize storage spaces to create the impression of more room. Discard any unnecessary items.

Plumbing, Air-Conditioning, and Fans: Address any dripping taps or pipes. Consider servicing air-conditioners before listing your property. Ensure all ceiling fans are clean, operational, and run quietly.

Final Touches:

Plants: Introduce plants to enhance the overall appeal of your property. They can add vibrancy and freshness to the house.

Lights and Fixtures: Check that all lights are working, replace blown bulbs, and ensure fixtures and switches are clean and in good condition.

Carpets: If you have carpets, have them professionally cleaned to restore their best appearance.

Kitchen: Make sure the stove, refrigerator, and sink are sparkling clean. Clear countertops as much as possible to create an impression of spaciousness.

TIP: Finally, leave the house before the viewing time. If the current owner is there, buyers may not take the time to look through a house properly because they feel they are intruding on the owners’ territory. For more information please contact: Morne on Mobile: 079 047 5172