Houses for sale in Cape Town: #housesforsaleincrawford

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Fraudulent sellers, fake property listings, or dishonest agents can trick buyers into losing money in South Africa

Yes, real estate fraud is a serious issue. Fraudulent sellers, fake property listings, and dishonest agents can deceive buyers, leading to financial loss and legal troubles. Here are some common scams to watch out for:

Common Real Estate Scams

Fake Listings – Scammers post listings for properties they don’t own, tricking buyers into paying deposits or upfront fees.
Title Fraud – Criminals forge documents to transfer property ownership and take loans against it.
Bait-and-Switch – A seller advertises a property at an attractive price but pushes buyers toward a different, often overpriced, property.
Rental Scams – Fake landlords collect security deposits or rent for properties they don’t own.
Phishing & Wire Fraud – Fraudsters impersonate real estate agents or escrow companies to steal wire transfers.
Unlicensed Agents – Individuals posing as real estate professionals take money for non-existent services or fake deals.
Foreclosure & Loan Modification Scams – Scammers promise to help struggling homeowners but instead take their money or property.

How to Protect Yourself

✔ Verify Listings & Sellers – Check property ownership records.
✔ Use Licensed Agents – Confirm credentials with local real estate boards.
✔ Avoid Upfront Payments – Be cautious of deposits before due diligence.
✔ Inspect the Property – Visit in person and consult professionals.
✔ Secure Transactions – Always use verified escrow services and double-check payment instructions.
✔ Legal Assistance – Consult a real estate attorney before signing contracts.

Lake Properties Lake Properties

Lake Properties

Lake Properties, Cape Town is a young and dynamic real estate agency located in Wynberg, Cape Town. We offer efficient and reliable service in the buying and selling of residential and commercial properties and vacant land in the Southern Suburbs including Bergvliet,Athlone,Claremont,Constantia,Diepriver,Heathfield,Kenilworth,Kenwyn,Kreupelbosch, Meadowridge,Mowbray,Newlands,Obervatory,Pinelands,Plumstead,Rondebosch, Rosebank, Tokia,Rondebosch East, Penlyn Estate, Lansdowne, Wynberg, Grassy Park, Steenberg, Retreat and surrounding areas . We also manage rental properties and secure suitably qualified tenants for property owners. Another growing extension to our portfolio of services is to find qualified buyers for business owners who want to sell businesses especially cafes, supermarkets and service stations. At Lake Properties we value our relationships with clients and aim to provide excellent service with integrity and professionalism, always acting in the best interest of both buyer and seller. Our rates are competitive without compromising quality and service. For our clients we do valuations at no charge

Is there evidence of water damage when considering buying a house

Lake Properties

Yes, there are several signs of potential water damage you can look for when considering buying a house. Identifying these signs early can save you from costly repairs later. Here are some key things to check:

Exterior Signs

1. Foundation Cracks: Look for cracks or signs of water pooling near the foundation, which could indicate drainage issues.

2. Gutters and Downspouts: Check if gutters are clogged or if downspouts direct water away from the house. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage.

3. Roof Condition: Inspect for missing shingles, sagging, or moss growth, which could indicate water leaks.

4. Grading: Ensure the ground slopes away from the house to prevent water from seeping into the foundation.

Interior Signs

1. Ceiling Stains: Brown or yellow stains on ceilings could indicate past or ongoing roof leaks.

2. Wall Discoloration: Look for peeling paint, bubbling, or discoloration, which may suggest water intrusion.

3. Warped Floors: Warping, buckling, or sagging floors can be a sign of water damage underneath.

4. Musty Odors: A persistent damp or musty smell may indicate hidden water damage or mold.

Basement and Crawlspace

1. Damp Walls or Floors: Check for water stains or a damp feeling in basements and crawlspaces.

2. Mold or Mildew: Look for visible mold, particularly in corners or areas near water sources.

3. Sump Pump: If there is a sump pump, ensure it’s functional, as it’s a key defense against basement flooding.

Plumbing

1. Leaks: Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances for signs of active or past leaks.

2. Water Stains: Look under cabinets and around pipes for watermarks.

3. Water Pressure Issues: Weak water pressure could indicate plumbing problems.

Windows and Doors

1. Condensation: Excess moisture on windows could indicate poor ventilation or leaks.

2. Rotting Frames: Wooden window or door frames may show signs of rot if exposed to water.

What to Do if You Suspect Water Damage

Hire a Home Inspector: A professional inspection can uncover hidden water damage and assess the extent of any issues.

Request Repairs: If damage is found, you can negotiate with the seller to have repairs completed or reduce the price of the home.

Consult Specialists: For severe damage, consider consulting a structural engineer, mold remediation expert, or plumber.

Taking the time to investigate these signs thoroughly can help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Lake Properties

The Bargain of the Century- 2 Houses for sale on 1 Plot for sale in Retreat

The Bargain of the Century- 2 houses for sale on 1 plot in Retreat

MAIN HOUSE 4 X large bedrooms large tiled lounge open-plan kitchen 2nd fully fitted kitchen and scullery built-in cupboards family bathroom and toilet ( bath basin and toilet) main en-suite Tiled and laminated floors tiled floors aluminium windows tiled roof pave all around the property immaculate condition fully enclosed double garage 2ND HOUSE 4 X large bedrooms large tiled lounge open-plan kitchen 2nd fully fitted kitchen and scullery built-in cupboards family bathroom and toilet ( bath basin and toilet) main en-suite Tiled and laminated floors tiled floors aluminium windows tiled roof pave all around the property immaculate condition fully enclosed double garage 1st house has access to its own road 2nd house has access to its own road property can be subdivided into 2 separate erfs current income for 2nd house is R11000 per month estimated rental for main house is R15000 per month perfect rental income property for an investor R2650 000 Lake Properties call 0836247129