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Estate Agency Affairs Board staff on strike
Business Report
A freeze on wage increases at the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB), the statutory consumer protection body of the real estate industry, has led to a strike by members of the National Education Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) employed by the board.

The strike, which started on Friday afternoon, involves about 35 of the EAAB's 65 employees.

Nomonde Mapetla, the EAAB's chief executive, said it was inappropriate to implement salary increases this year because "most staff members currently received salaries between 135 percent and 200 percent in excess of market-related salaries for similar jobs".
Business Report

6 things estate agents won't tell you
Moneyweb - South Africa
Many property experts agree that it's no longer as easy to make money in the residential market as it has been in the past three years.

That means you're going to have to negotiate harder to get the best price you can when you buy and sell in order to ensure a decent return.

If you're buying or selling through an estate agent, bear in mind that this individual has more power than you realise in securing the final price.

The agent is, primarily, interested in a sale, while you are interested in getting the best price you can.
Moneyweb

Property bubble a "myth"
Fin24.co.za - South Africa
Johannesburg - Real estate group RE/MAX of Southern Africa debate recent reports of lowered sales and a general slowing down in the property sector, with record third quarter performance and an average national increase in sales of 40% over 2004.
Third quarter sales for RE/MAX of Southern Africa tipped the scales at R3.1bn, compared with last year's third quarter figure of R2.2bn.

September proved a record month with sales of over R1.1bn. Several offices shone noticeably with Pietersburg boasting a 134% increase in sales, Krugersdorp was up by 52%, Centurion 57% and Kempton Park shows a outstanding 139% increase over their 2004 recorded sales.
Fin24.co.za