Selling your Property
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PARTNER WITH AN AGENCY THAT UNDERSTANDS YOU
Stay safe by keeping your property sale confidential, with a trusted agency
Partner with an agency that understands your needs for a remote sales process
Entrust your sale to one agency in return for a drastically reduced sales commission
Keep your Sale Confidential
Selling your property in South Africa, while relocating to the US as a refugee, requires trust that the reason for your sale will be handled with utmost confidentiality. We’ve investigated and identified reputable Estate Agents in your region that are sensitive to your needs and have a genuine desire to help you. Working with these Estate Agents exclusively will protect your privacy and prevent unwarranted scrutiny.
Test the Market with Pre-Marketing
The sale of your property must be completely under your control and not commit you to any sale until you are 100% sure you have been accepted for the Refugee Program. The vetted agencies understand this and you will able to refuse offers received.
Timing is Everything
The sale of your property will likely not be finalized by the time you leave the country. Concluding the transaction in South Africa while you’re abroad involving legal, financial, and logistical considerations. This includes documents, costs, tax implications, and know-how from an Agent who can help you manage the process remotely.
Exclusive Mandate
Amerikaners identified and negotiated on your behalf with the best Real Estate Agencies in each province, securing you the best possible agency commission. By providing these vetted Estate Agents with an exclusive mandate, you have peace of mind that not only will the reasons for your sale remain confidential, but also with the expertise required for your unique circumstances.
Professional Services
Vetted Estate Agent
Recommended for expertise, market knowledge, and managing viewings, especially if you’re abroad. They charge a reduced commission, minimize stress, and ensure competitive pricing.
Conveyancing Attorney
Mandatory for handling legal aspects, including drafting the sales agreement, transferring title deeds, and lodging documents with the Deeds Office. Let your vetted real estate agent help you choose one early to streamline the process.
Bond Cancellation Attorney
If your home has a mortgage (bond), a bond attorney, appointed by your bank, handles cancellation. Your estate agent will assist you in notifying your bank 90 days in advance to avoid penalty fees, as an early cancellation penalty will apply if you cancel within the first two years of a 20- or 30-year loan.
Tax Professional
Capital Gains Tax is levied on the profit from the sale (selling price minus purchase price, improvements, and selling costs). For individuals, the first R40,000 of the gain is exempt annually, and 40% of the remaining gain is included in taxable income. You can request a lower or zero rate via Form NR03 if the sale incurs a loss or you’re tax-exempt, submitting it with the Offer to Purchase and tax calculations. As a non-resident (once you’ve relocated to the USA), the buyer must withhold 7.5% of the sale price (for properties over R2 million) and pay it to SARS. Funds transferred to a US bank account via a South African bank need to be accompanied by proper documentation to comply with exchange control regulations. Your Estate Agent will assist you in identifying the right tax professional who will help you navigate this process and apply for a tax directive if applicable.
Power of Attorney
Let your Estate Agent help you grant a trusted individual or attorney in South Africa the Power of Attorney to sign documents and manage the sale on your behalf. You need to notarize this at a South African embassy or a US Notary Public and use secure digital platforms or couriers to send certified documents to your conveyancer or agent.
Tips for a Successful Sales
- A correctly priced and well-maintained home sells faster. Using a vetted estate agent will smooth the sale process through a network of professional service suppliers.
- Set a pricing strategy. Your estate agent will assist in researching local market trends using comparative market analyses. Price competitively avoids delays, as overpriced properties take longer to sell.
- Send in a maintenance team to fix leaky taps, repaint walls, and stage rooms to appeal to buyers, especially if selling contents separately.
- Secure the property if it is vacant during the sale. Install alarms, burglar guards, and security gates to meet insurance requirements, as properties standing empty face higher insurance premiums.
- Discuss the option of renting your property with your Real Estate Agent to avoid it being vandalized. You may want to consider renting your home fully or partially furnished.
- Send in a trusted cleaning crew for regular upkeep or before each showing.
- Use a trusted service for garden upkeep and pool maintenance.
LIST YOUR PROPERTY
