Charmaine Venter

When it comes to selling a home, every property owner dreams of securing the best possible price. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes sellers make is setting the price too high. While it might seem like a good idea to “test the market,” overpricing can backfire, leaving a home stuck on the market for months, attracting little interest, and eventually forcing the seller to accept less than fair value.

This Women’s Month, we’re celebrating the remarkable women shaping South Africa’s property market, and Michelle Severin is a shining example. With nearly a decade as a qualified agent and a deep passion for connecting people with their dream homes, Michelle has built an award-winning career at Century 21 Wildlife.

With the rising cost of living and tighter bank lending conditions, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs when selling, including the idea of avoiding estate agent commission by selling privately. While this may seem like a way to keep more money in your pocket, the risks in today’s market are far higher than most people realise. A private sale can quickly become expensive, stressful, and legally risky if you’re not fully prepared.