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IPC Independent Property Consultants | News Results

9 ways to baby-proof your home  [6/10/2013 8:44:17 AM]

Parents should cover all unused electric sockets with safety plugs. Babies don’t stay small for long, and proud new parents need to baby-proof their homes well in advance, before their children start ... read more

Affordable room makeover décor tricks  [6/10/2013 8:42:57 AM]

The difference really is, as they say, in the detail - a few accessories and some smart décor tricks can easily transform your home's interiors. Re-purpose a birdcage and turn it into a lamp or spray ... read more

2013 winter colour trends  [6/10/2013 8:41:17 AM]

The cold might be here but this year’s winter colours certainly don’t reflect this. The cold might be here but this year’s winter colours certainly don’t reflect this. Instead, experts say warmer col ... read more

Buying an investment property  [6/10/2013 8:40:02 AM]

Why would anyone purchase a second home as an investment? Steward says property, over a long period (20 to 25 years) has been proven to keep pace with inflation while giving the investor around a ... read more

How to avoid dodgy builders  [6/10/2013 8:39:01 AM]

With buy-to-let investors moving back into residential property in a big way, there is a growing tendency to purchase homes, especially sectional title units, which can be upgraded, for relatively low ... read more

Top paint colour trends for 2013  [5/2/2013 12:33:43 PM]

Simplicity is about stepping out of the chaos and into the calm. This palette is inspired by light white tones, which appeal to our desire for peace and serenity. Amidst the uncertainty and craziness ... read more

5 striking wall design options  [5/2/2013 12:32:50 PM]

Who would have thought that something so simple as a pencil wall could look so gorgeous? There are so many great ways to design walls, and not just feature walls, but walls that have a wow factor. H ... read more

Prospective Homeowners Need to Stop ‘Reckless Borrowing’  [5/2/2013 12:31:56 PM]

Just about everyone cheered recently when the reserve Bank decided to leave interest rates unchanged again, but it was not necessarily such good news for the real estate market. That’s the word from ... read more

First-time buyers to drive moderate house price growth and tougher lending criteria in the property market in 2013  [5/2/2013 12:28:28 PM]

In 2013, the property market is expected to show moderate growth, and prospective buyers would do well to have a deposit to bring to the table, says ooba, South Africa's biggest bond originator. Ho ... read more

OOBA STATISTICS REVEAL CONTINUED GROWTH IN AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES AND REDUCED DEPOSITS  [5/2/2013 12:23:03 PM]

OOBA STATISTICS REVEAL CONTINUED GROWTH IN AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES AND REDUCED DEPOSITS Latest statistics from ooba, South Africa's biggest bond originator, continue to reflect positive year-on-year pri ... read more

Top 5 bathroom safety features  [3/27/2013 1:09:24 PM]

Not many people take into consideration how dangerous the bathroom can be. Slippery tiles, hard objects and hot water can make a bathroom one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Rubber-backed r ... read more

Attractive wooden sliding doors  [3/27/2013 1:08:32 PM]

Adding a sliding door to the interior or exterior of your home is a great home improvement project that can significantly enhance your living spaces from both an aesthetic and functional point of view ... read more

How to clean a faux suede couch  [3/27/2013 1:07:43 PM]

Take advantage of the hot sunny weather we have had lately to pull your couch outside and give it a good clean. If in any doubt about the method of cleaning, try it on one section before tackling the ... read more

ooba's Ten Tips for First-Time Buying with Confidence  [3/27/2013 1:06:26 PM]

Buying your first property is a process that can be fraught with confusion. This simple list will set you on the path to home ownership. 1.Save up for a deposit Banks are far more likely to appro ... read more

SIGNED SURETY ON A BOND? MANAGE YOUR RISK!  [3/27/2013 1:04:22 PM]

“Buy land – they’ve stopped making it” (Mark Twain) Property can indeed be a great investment, just be aware that signing personal suretyship – which you will almost certainly have to do if you b ... read more

Tips to dog proof your garden  [2/7/2013 9:51:22 AM]

Your garden can be a place that you and your dog can enjoy together. It doesn’t have to be a battlefield of holes and destroyed plants. So before you reconsider your dog, rethink the layout of your ga ... read more

YOUR SECTIONAL TITLE LEVIES – ARE THEY VALID?  [2/7/2013 9:49:12 AM]

A recent High Court case, in which a body corporate failed in its attempt to sequestrate the deceased estate of a section owner, shows once again the necessity of complying with all the requirements o ... read more

Buying a House? Your Credit Rating is Your Most Important Asset  [2/7/2013 9:46:27 AM]

If you're thinking about buying your first home, get your financial affairs in order as soon as possible. You need a clean credit record to secure a home loan. Unless you have a clean record of ser ... read more

5 Tips on Coping with Annoying People  [2/7/2013 9:42:28 AM]

1. Becoming upset make you remember it longer The more you acknowledge and think about the person or thing that has upset you, the more you etch that thought into your subconscious mind. You must rem ... read more

Is going green expensive?  [1/16/2013 10:50:34 AM]

Always thought that living green is too costly? We asked Rayne Neave, owner of Eco Exhibit, a greening exhibition space in Northgate, Cape Town, to shed some light. 1. Q: Why are many traditional ‘ ... read more

Paint it purple  [1/16/2013 10:49:26 AM]

Strike a dramatic note in your home with a bold colour scheme. Colourful considerations When deciding to go bold with colour in your home, ask yourself the following questions first: • When will th ... read more

Security tech tips for homeowners  [1/16/2013 10:46:08 AM]

Globally, residential estates are popular because of the advantages of communities combining their resources to create a better lifestyle. The gatehouse at Waterfall Country Estate and Village in Gau ... read more

Affordable room makeover decor tricks  [1/16/2013 10:45:24 AM]

The difference really is, as they say, is in the detail - in this case, a few accessories and with a few decor tricks, room makeovers are possible. Re-purpose a birdcage and turn it into a lamp or sp ... read more

Exterior updates to attract buyers  [1/16/2013 10:44:21 AM]

In today’s competitive real estate market, the more sellers can do to make their home stand out and be noticed, the better, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. “If sellers want ... read more

BUILDING A HOME IN 2013? DON’T LOSE YOUR DEFECT COVER!  [1/9/2013 12:23:20 PM]

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to build your own dream home, know that you have strong statutory protections against poor workmanship and structural failure. But you will lose them ... read more

Revamp your garage doors  [1/9/2013 12:22:04 PM]

Due to environmental factors like sunlight and rain, paint does not last an eternity. The paint on these two metal garage doors was cracked and flaking and the doors needed refurbishing. Here’s how we ... read more

Beauty of thatch  [1/9/2013 12:20:34 PM]

Thatched roofs are attractive and give a home an air of romanfce, but they do need to be well maintained to give good insulation and optimum longevity. If your roof has been thatched by a qualified p ... read more

Brilliant finish  [1/9/2013 12:19:28 PM]

Ceiling cornices are a great way to finish off a new ceiling and it isn’t difficult or expensive to do them yourself. A few years ago we would have used the old gypsum type cornices with the familiar ... read more

Practical painting solutions  [1/9/2013 12:17:03 PM]

Water damage to ceilings There are few things in a home as unsightly as brown stains on a ceiling, which are generally caused by damp. But it is not all bad news; with the right attention, sorting ou ... read more

Roll out the green carpet  [10/15/2012 8:42:58 AM]

Do you long for the lush green carpet of lawn as seen in the glossy pages of lifestyle magazines? This picture of perfection is not as difficult to achieve as you may think. You can get this professio ... read more

Window wonders  [10/15/2012 8:41:16 AM]

Windows are an important feature of our homes and they serve dual functions, both to allow light through into our homes and for us to see out. Windows come in a bewildering array of shapes, sizes and ... read more

Paving Options  [10/15/2012 8:39:52 AM]

Paving in the garden When it comes to paving ideas, there is no shortage of inspiration that will alter the appearance of your home. Many homes have 'dead' spots in the garden or exterior of the hou ... read more

All about arum lilies  [10/15/2012 8:38:31 AM]

What could be more beautiful in the heart of winter than a creamy white arum lily – whether in your garden, a pot, or the wild? This elegant indigenous flower has a unique charm. Found virtually thro ... read more

Property: Clinch the deal  [10/15/2012 8:37:12 AM]

Need to sell your house fast so you can make good on that offer for a new home? Read on for useful tips on how to do just that… When you were looking for a new house – whether you were expanding or d ... read more

Furniture for small spaces  [10/15/2012 8:36:30 AM]

‘Big ideas can enhance the most unlikely of small spaces.’ – Sebastian Conran and Mark Bond In a small place it is often the style of the living space that is sacrificed. The room easily becomes clu ... read more

10 tips for a compact kitchen  [10/15/2012 8:33:48 AM]

‘In addition to being practical, storage should offer a measure of beauty. The things you see every day should delight you.’ – Pottery Barn Storage & Display 1 Don’t be tempted to stow away pots, or ... read more

Solid wood kitchen countertops  [9/17/2012 3:27:08 AM]

Granite and simulated stone have become popular countertop options in recent years, and while these tops require little maintenance, they are not exactly as beautiful as wood. To protect your kitchen ... read more

Popular bathroom floor trends  [9/17/2012 3:25:40 AM]

Tiles remain the floor option of choice when it comes to the bathroom. Large-format porcelain tiles are particularly popular, as they not only reduce the amount of grouting lines, but the grouting l ... read more

Keep your home damp-free  [9/17/2012 3:24:16 AM]

Whether it’s rising up from the ground or coming down from the roof, damp is not something you want in your house – and not something you can leave unattended as the consequences can be severe. Davel ... read more

How to display art in your home  [9/17/2012 3:23:11 AM]

I receive a lot of enquiries on Home-Dzine for advice on hanging art, so this is for all the readers out there who want to hang up artwork, but are too afraid to do so. Art can be a collection, or ev ... read more

Using patterns in interior design  [9/17/2012 3:21:48 AM]

Keep bold stripes for large rooms and thin stripes in small rooms, or combine bold and thin stripes for an interesting look. Many first-time decorators find the thought of using patterns in the home ... read more

Prepare your garden for spring  [8/13/2012 4:27:42 AM]

As we move into August, there's no better time to get out into the garden and start preparing beds for spring planting. Even if you have an established garden, there are going to be tasks and projects ... read more

SPRINGS 4 BIGGEST TRENDS  [8/13/2012 4:25:59 AM]

1 – Opting for orange Tangerine, melon, carrot, papaya – these cheerful shades of orange sound good enough to eat and will add loads of fresh energy to your home. Oranges pair beautifully with ot ... read more

Decorative wooden moulding options  [8/13/2012 4:24:58 AM]

Also known as trim, wooden mouldings have been used for centuries to add a decorative touch to interiors. Adding mouldings to your home’s interiors is a relatively affordable way of adding interest ... read more

How to add colour to a rental home  [8/13/2012 4:23:26 AM]

Think of a white rental home as a blank canvas - allow yourself to experiment with a wide variety of colour. When you live in a rental home, chances are your rental agreement doesn't allow for any ch ... read more

Bold bathroom colour trends  [8/13/2012 4:21:52 AM]

Every decade is characterised by a bathroom décor trend that reflects the fashion influences of that period. If you enjoy changing colours frequently, you should consider rotating your accessories, ... read more

2012 ST FRANCIS BAY GETAWAY...  [8/2/2012 10:13:49 AM]

IPC agents enjoyed a team building getaway on the 26th - 27th July in St Francis Bay. ... read more

7 remedies for household hassles  [7/30/2012 11:33:06 AM]

You don't always need to use harmful chemicals in the home to sort out odours, stains and other problems. Keep flowers fresh for longer by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water in the vase. ... read more

SPEND A WARMER WINTER AT HOME  [7/30/2012 11:30:37 AM]

With the temperatures outside dropping all the time, its time to snuggle up indoors. Fight the winter blues with simple, creative solutions to bringing an extra touch of warmth into your home over t ... read more

REINVENT ANY ROOM WITH JUST A LICK OF PAINT  [7/30/2012 11:30:21 AM]

For a quick, affordable room makeover, nothing beats the magic of paint. Give old furniture a new lease on life. Tie together mismatched objects. Cover up ‘problem’ areas in a room. Paint does ... read more

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATA MADIBA !!!  [7/30/2012 11:25:22 AM]

On behalf of all of us at IPC, we would like to wish Madiba a very special birthday and many more !!! Thank you for everything you have done for us and our wonderful country !!! ... read more

How to create a luxury spa bathroom  [6/13/2012 9:35:35 AM]

Are you in desperate need of some me time so that you can recharge your energy levels? You could choose a bold colour pallete for a more revitalising and dramatic, but stylish end result. Perhaps tr ... read more

How to add height to low ceilings  [6/13/2012 9:35:03 AM]

Got low ceilings? Chances are you’ve got low spirits too. Painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls makes the definition between the walls and ceiling less noticeable, thus visually ‘tricking ... read more

8 tips for DIY divas  [6/13/2012 9:33:45 AM]

You don't always need to have a man around when it comes to remodeling and improving your home. You don't always need to have a man around when it comes to remodeling and improving your home. The DI ... read more

Colour up with winter basket gardening  [6/13/2012 9:33:07 AM]

With summer well behind us, many gardens tend to be more on the dull and uninteresting side during the cold winter months. Hang up pretty flowers to add a bit of colour and visual drama to a drab wi ... read more

Soothing and warm bathrooms  [6/13/2012 9:26:39 AM]

There is very little that is as unpleasant as getting out of a warm bath or shower and facing a freezing, cold bathroom. Wrapping yourself up in a perfectly warm towel as you get out the bath or sho ... read more

IPC AWARDS 2012  [5/4/2012 9:29:37 AM]

IPC TROPHY NEW COMER OF THE YEAR - LORRAINE BASSON FRANCHISE WINNERS: 3RD – GILL TURNER, PORT ALFRED 2ND – LESLIE OLIVIER, ST FRANCIS 1ST – MONIKA GAYBBA, GRAHAMSTOWN TOP INDIVIDUAL TUR ... read more

Top 10 tips for buying a dishwasher  [4/24/2012 11:27:00 AM]

Dishwashers have become an essential part of any modern kitchen, and to meet the increased demand there has been an influx of numerous different types of models and brands in the market. Consider wh ... read more

Eliminate bacteria in the kitchen  [4/24/2012 11:25:53 AM]

The kitchen is the heart of any home but it can also be a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. Keeping a clean kitchen in addition to regularly washing your hands will reduce the risk of contracti ... read more

Add colour to a faded dining room  [4/24/2012 11:25:01 AM]

The recent trend for larger-than-life mirrors, frames, artwork and lamp shades adds a playful touch and makes a bold and stylish statement in any dining room. If your dining room is fading into the b ... read more

How to make a designer fractal mirror  [4/24/2012 11:24:38 AM]

I keep coming across these unique mirrors throughout my internet searches, longingly wondering if they would ever reach our shores. Add style and glamour to any room with a fractal mirror. But then ... read more

Colour tips that create a ‘bang'  [4/3/2012 10:57:16 AM]

Before you begin, it is essential that you have a clear understanding of what kind of look or décor style you are going to go for. Colour tips that create a ‘bang’ When you get it right, the use of ... read more

How to tile wooden bathroom floors  [4/3/2012 10:56:55 AM]

Tiles are clean, hygienic and water-resistant and look beautiful in a bathroom, however, not all floor bases are suitable for tiles. For example, laying tiles on wooden floors can often be problematic ... read more

How to care for thatch roofs  [4/3/2012 10:54:59 AM]

Do you see a thatch home and feel immediately calm and relaxed? Thatch roofs are indeed beautiful but they do need to be well maintained in order to last and give you the best insulation. If your ro ... read more

Fix grubby bathroom grout  [3/15/2012 3:35:08 PM]

One easy and inexpensive way to give bathrooms a makeover is to regrout tiles. One easy way to give bathrooms a makeover is to regrout tiles. In most cases, grout applied during tile installation w ... read more

Get rid of mosquitoes naturally  [3/15/2012 3:34:11 PM]

Mosquitoes are well-known but disliked pests that can spread disease, itchy discomfort and disturb your sleep. Mosquitoes are well-known but disliked pests that can spread disease, itchy discomfort ... read more

Heating your swimming pool  [3/15/2012 3:33:09 PM]

We own our pools for twelve months of the year, yet we only use them for seven – by slightly heating up the water one can almost swim all year round. By warming up the water by five to 10 degrees, yo ... read more

How to seal a bath or basin  [3/12/2012 8:23:57 AM]

It is essential to have a seal around basins and bath tubs to prevent moisture access to furniture, walls and floors. Over time the sealer around a basin or bath tub may need to be replaced. Silico ... read more

Soundproof against noisy neighbours  [3/12/2012 8:23:28 AM]

With the increase in townhouse and apartment living, many homeowners share at least one wall with their neighbours. With single brick construction between dwellings, noise may be carried and heard in ... read more

Affordable wireless lighting control  [3/12/2012 8:22:46 AM]

Lighting control solutions have proven to offer a number of benefits, including the ability to reduce lighting energy consumption and increase the functionality and control of lighting in a particular ... read more

Give your furniture a facelift  [2/23/2012 2:09:35 PM]

That shabby old chest of drawers of yours can be transformed simply and inexpensively by stripping off the old paint and refinishing the wood in an up-to-date and eye-catching style. Restore old fur ... read more

Installing a garden pergola  [2/23/2012 2:08:57 PM]

Dress up your garden or patio with a shady, plant-covered pergola. A garden pergola can add interest to all kinds of garden design, whether it encloses a small patio-type back garden or covers a wal ... read more

Why buying is better than renting?  [2/23/2012 2:08:21 PM]

If you have money and want to own property, buy now instead of renting as this is cash wasted according to some property investors and experts. If you have money and want to own property, buy now ins ... read more

Remedies for a 'green' pool  [2/16/2012 2:57:49 PM]

Summer is in full swing, and that means hot days and cool dips in the pool. Before it's too late to tackle any problems or repairs yourself, inspect your pool and take action to remedy any problems. ... read more

Jazz up your bathroom with accessories  [2/16/2012 2:57:14 PM]

Ever heard of the saying: “The devil is in the detail”? Well, nowhere is this more apt than when it comes to choosing your bathroom accessories, as it is this choice that can really set a bathroom com ... read more

How to prune trees  [2/9/2012 2:55:36 PM]

We all know proper pruning can enhance the health and shape of a tree. But tangled branches that don't look like the neat illustrations in books can be daunting. You can produce strong, healthy and a ... read more

7 cleaning mistakes to avoid  [1/30/2012 10:13:16 AM]

7 cleaning mistakes to avoid Many housekeepers are under the impression that scrubbing and scouring is the key to keeping a tidy home, and though you may have the best of intentions, some cleaning m ... read more

How to colour cement areas  [1/30/2012 10:12:40 AM]

How to colour cement areas Concrete doesn't have to be grey. Cement colour products dye the concrete while you're mixing or finishing it, offering shades of red, brown, buff, charcoal, and terra-co ... read more

Natural ways to keep garden pest-free  [1/30/2012 10:12:02 AM]

Natural ways to keep garden pest-free Enjoy your garden in the summer without the hindrance of pests. Are you enjoying your garden in the summer? So are the bugs, slugs and snails… Follow these tip ... read more

Planning your new pool  [1/30/2012 10:11:40 AM]

Planning your new pool Not just something for the kids to splash around in, a pool should be fully integrated with the landscape of your garden, which means the location you choose needs to be right ... read more

Keep your home naturally cool  [1/30/2012 10:10:21 AM]

Keep your home naturally cool Summer is here, and that means a hot home! Did you know: Closing your blinds during the day in the summer can reduce your cooling and electric costs. Radiant heat from ... read more

The state of the SA property market  [10/20/2011 3:31:54 PM]

South Africa is currently seeing poor office demand, wariness about support pillars of the industrial sector and weaker mortgage lending restraints. According to property brokers in Durban, the decen ... read more

Buying a home? Count the cost of fuel  [10/20/2011 3:29:42 PM]

It is estimated that almost three quarters of South Africans consider the price of petrol as a factor before making a property purchasing decision. Jenny Rushin, provincial sales manager at ooba says ... read more

Cleaning tips for blinds and drapes  [10/3/2011 9:58:54 AM]

Cleaning tips for blinds and drapes In order to keep your window’s blinds and drapes looking good you should clean them on a monthly basis. This not only extends the life of the type of treatment you ... read more

Better days ahead for SA mortgage lenders  [9/19/2011 10:40:07 AM]

SA banks, hard hit by large numbers of home loan defaults during the recent recession, are set for a much better time in the next few years because of the quality lending “books” they are building now ... read more

What are listed properties?  [8/22/2011 8:27:41 AM]

Dear Reader What are listed properties? Is it wise to venture into listed property? And how do I get to know more about this? These are the main questions we’ve received this week. In South Africa f ... read more

Property investment is safer than shares or money market - Courtesy of Cyberprop.com  [7/22/2011 2:31:02 PM]

Property investment is safer than shares or money market It still comes as a surprise to him, says Michael Bauer, general manager of the property management company, IHFM which has now set up an offi ... read more

Home Maintenance Pays when you sell 5 days, 17 hours ago  [7/12/2011 9:58:30 AM]

Home maintenance pays when you sell 24 Jun 2011 As a homeowner, you should start a programme of regular maintenance from the day you move in. Well maintained homes generally sell faster and f ... read more

Buying property: Factor in rate hikes 02 Jun 2011  [6/7/2011 3:39:44 PM]

Johannesburg - Many buyers are anticipating an interest rate hike next year, says Auction Alliance CEO Rael Levitt, whose company has sold over Three billion rand in commercial property this year alon ... read more

oobarometer price index:  [5/27/2011 3:15:49 PM]

Market news: The latest statistics from the oobarometer price index showed a year-on-year decline in the average purchase price of 6.5 percent (10.7 percent when taking inflation of 4.2 percent into a ... read more

April 2011 FNB House Price Index  [5/16/2011 11:49:58 AM]

April 2011 FNB House Price Index The April 2011 FNB House Price Index showed further mild acceleration of 2.2 percent in year-on-year growth compared to March’s revised rate of 1.2 percent. This is ... read more

Fire safety at home and work  [5/6/2011 12:51:30 PM]

Electrical Fire Safety Most electrical fires result from problems with: 1. Plugged in Insect repellents/ Cheap plugged in air fresheners 2. Fixed wiring such as faulty electrical outlets and old ... read more

IPC ANNUAL AWARDS EVENING FOR 2010 AWARDS!!!!  [4/20/2011 2:01:40 PM]

Positions achieved in Turnover for 2010 sales: 1st - Elmarie Van Zyl 2nd - Susan Chapman 3rd - Rob Lopes 4th - Ruth Kock 5th - Fanie Schoeman 6th - Zelda Schoeman 7th - Lydia Grobler 8th - C ... read more

TRANSFER DUTY DOWN: HOW MUCH WILL YOU SAVE?  [4/6/2011 3:33:54 PM]

How will you (and the property market generally) benefit from the proposal in Budget 2011 to reduce transfer duty? First, the details - 1.The reduction will apply to all property sales on or af ... read more

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