The COVID-19 lockdown has highlighted the challenges of getting everyone together for an old-fashioned, original “paper and ink” signing session. Electronic signatures can ease property transfer transactions – here’s when and how they are valid. “To sign a document means to authenticate that which it stands for, or is intended to represent the name of the person who is to authenticate”...
by Crisna van der Bank 
The record-breaking streak of interest rates cuts in January through to May has already spiked interest in the first-time buyers’ market. The housing market received further good news when today, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced that the interest rate will drop by 25 basis points. The repo rate, therefore, lowers to 3.5%, leaving the prime lending rate at...
by Crisna van der Bank 
RE/MAX National Housing Report for June 2020Home Sales Post Near-Record Turnaround Despite Inventory Constraint.DENVER, July 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RE/MAX, LLC announced today June home sales posted a near-record 37% gain over a pandemic-impacted May while Months Supply of Inventory dropped below two months for the first time in the report's 12-year history. Overall, U.S. home sales returned...
An Amanzimtoti Property reader financially affected by the coronavirus outbreak has been charged a penalty every month for late rental payments. He wants to know if he is legally obligated to pay it. He writes: "My wife and I have been affected financially by the Covid-19 pandemic, just like everybody else. We have been making partial payments for our rent, but always clear the balance by the time...
by Crisna van der Bank 