Wednesday, October 1, 2008
SAHometraders October Newsletter
Click here and check out the latest news and developments at SAHometraders and in the South African property industry...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
SAHometraders August Newsletter
Dear Subscriber
Welcome to the SAHometraders August Newsletter. There has been much debate around the issue of property rights lately, with opponents to the government’s proposed Land Bill arguing that a carbon copy of the Zimbabwe land fiasco is in store. Even more interesting is the recent judgment in favour of a South African who lost farms in Zimbabwe, ordering the SA government to restore his right to property or face damages nearing R60 million. South Africans are already under pressure with tight economic conditions and tensions are heightened by political uncertainty within and beyond our borders. Even so, SAHometraders is more determined than ever to perform at the forefront of innovative online property marketing and ensure that your product commands the best possible reach.
This newsletter contains:
§ Updates on current activity,
§ Information on our cutting-edge new features,
§ Advice on technical issues.
At SAHometraders, our goal is to provide lead generation from our national site by meeting the demand for inventive forms of advertising with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features. If you have any queries regarding our various products or services, please don’t hesitate to contact us: sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Yours in online marketing
The SA Hometraders Team
Subscriber Update
§ SAHT Spreads its Wings
Considering the ever-increasing interest in the SAHometraders offering from agencies based in the Gauteng region, we are pleased to announce that SAHometraders now has an official office in Johannesburg. Contact sue@sahometraders.co.za if you would like to get in touch with this office.
§ Clearing Up Confusion
You may have heard rumour that PropertyGenie intends to start charging agencies and branches to list properties on their website. PropertyGenie has confirmed that a charging model will be implemented from September 2008, however this will have no impact on the feed from SAHometraders. “SAHometraders remains a highly valued business partner (3rd party supplier) of PropertyGenie and we look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship” PG.
§ Welcome Aboard
Estate agents are fast-becoming aware of the considerable exposure offered by the Internet and the success achieved by marketing property online. Multiple listing on SA Hometraders and affiliated sites provides your product with extensive reach, but having your own website is the ultimate marketing tool, allowing you to showcase your entire property portfolio.
SAHometraders would like to welcome the following new members on board:
ERA Explore Properties PheZulu Property Management
ERA Jeffreys Bay Di Tucker Properties
ERA Centurion Property 100 Centurion
Clay-Zi Properties Rivendell Property Consultants
Acutts Rustenberg Amro Estates
Acutts Waverley ERA Midrand
Colliers Amanzimtoti ERA Gersbach Paarl
§ Option to Increase Exposure
In a bid to extend your product reach, subscribers now have the opportunity to list properties on Gravity (g.co.za) at no extra cost. This does not include listings on IOL and will be implemented via an xml feed from SAHT. The listing works on a permission basis, so if you are interested in taking advantage of this option please be sure to email us.
§ Highlight On Show and On Auction Property
With market conditions so tight, it’s important to utilize all the marketing tools available to you, particularly those important design features on the SAHometraders landing page. The On Show and On Auction buttons are valuable in that they target users who are specifically interested in this kind of property for sale, such as those searching Google for property on show or on auction in South Africa.
New Features
§ Brushing Up on Sectional Title
We recently came across the latest edition of the Paddocks Press monthly newsletter, which is packed with news and useful articles relating to sectional title property. SAHometraders has acquired permission from Paddocks to publish the various editions of their newsletter on our site. Click here if you would like to view the latest articles on sectional title.
§ Mobile Front Ends Ready for Take Off
Having recently launched a mobile version of the national site with great success, SAHometraders is pleased to announce that the promised mobile launch of agency sites is now possible. With an estimated 12 million cell phone users in South Africa, this dynamic marketing tool commands extensive reach for your product, with the value-added convenience of users able to access information anywhere, anytime from their mobile phone. The option includes a redirect whereby users accessing your regular website via cell phone are automatically sent to the mobile site. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
SPECIAL OFFER: Sign up for a new website today and get a 50% discount on a mobile site valued at R 750!
Technical Issues
§ Bugs in the Browser
Those of you using Firefox 3 may be experiencing a few technical glitches when it comes to uploading images or viewing multiple gallery images. The browser appears to allow just one image to be uploaded at a time and when trying to view a series of gallery images, the pop up appears once and then the page needs to be refreshed each time you want to view another image. Complaints have been lodged, but unfortunately all that can be done is to wait for an update from Firefox. Our suggestion in the meantime is to downgrade the version of your browser to Firefox 2.0.0.16, which can be done using the following link: http://download.mozilla.org/?product=firefox-2.0.0.16&os=win&lang=en-US.
§ Wading Through Results
In our continued effort to make the back office experience as user-friendly as possible, you will be pleased to know that a Sort function has been added to the property listings page, which will allow agents to sort their various listings and results in several ways. If you require any additional options, please contact us.
Marketing Services
National Site: SA Hometraders has over 600 subscribers, marketing 25000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a selection of farms, businesses and commercial developments.
Database of Contacts: This database consists of past and potential clients with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, the list should be expanded and updated on an ongoing basis.
Product Range:
§ List Management
§ Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
§ Electronic Signatures
§ Newsflashes
§ Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
The Bottom Line:
§ Once-off all-inclusive cost of R3876 for agency website design
§ Thereafter a charge of R171 p/m for website hosting
§ Subscription fees: R228 p/m for 10 listings or R399 p/m for unlimited listings
§ All costs include VAT
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, have a look at some of the sites that we have designed recently:
www.acuttswaverley.co.za
www.capetownpropertyinfo.co.za
www.therentalsandsalesagency.co.za
www.legalpropertygroup.co.za
www.simplyletting.co.za
www.terridicksproperties.co.za
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Welcome to the SAHometraders August Newsletter. There has been much debate around the issue of property rights lately, with opponents to the government’s proposed Land Bill arguing that a carbon copy of the Zimbabwe land fiasco is in store. Even more interesting is the recent judgment in favour of a South African who lost farms in Zimbabwe, ordering the SA government to restore his right to property or face damages nearing R60 million. South Africans are already under pressure with tight economic conditions and tensions are heightened by political uncertainty within and beyond our borders. Even so, SAHometraders is more determined than ever to perform at the forefront of innovative online property marketing and ensure that your product commands the best possible reach.
This newsletter contains:
§ Updates on current activity,
§ Information on our cutting-edge new features,
§ Advice on technical issues.
At SAHometraders, our goal is to provide lead generation from our national site by meeting the demand for inventive forms of advertising with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features. If you have any queries regarding our various products or services, please don’t hesitate to contact us: sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Yours in online marketing
The SA Hometraders Team
Subscriber Update
§ SAHT Spreads its Wings
Considering the ever-increasing interest in the SAHometraders offering from agencies based in the Gauteng region, we are pleased to announce that SAHometraders now has an official office in Johannesburg. Contact sue@sahometraders.co.za if you would like to get in touch with this office.
§ Clearing Up Confusion
You may have heard rumour that PropertyGenie intends to start charging agencies and branches to list properties on their website. PropertyGenie has confirmed that a charging model will be implemented from September 2008, however this will have no impact on the feed from SAHometraders. “SAHometraders remains a highly valued business partner (3rd party supplier) of PropertyGenie and we look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship” PG.
§ Welcome Aboard
Estate agents are fast-becoming aware of the considerable exposure offered by the Internet and the success achieved by marketing property online. Multiple listing on SA Hometraders and affiliated sites provides your product with extensive reach, but having your own website is the ultimate marketing tool, allowing you to showcase your entire property portfolio.
SAHometraders would like to welcome the following new members on board:
ERA Explore Properties PheZulu Property Management
ERA Jeffreys Bay Di Tucker Properties
ERA Centurion Property 100 Centurion
Clay-Zi Properties Rivendell Property Consultants
Acutts Rustenberg Amro Estates
Acutts Waverley ERA Midrand
Colliers Amanzimtoti ERA Gersbach Paarl
§ Option to Increase Exposure
In a bid to extend your product reach, subscribers now have the opportunity to list properties on Gravity (g.co.za) at no extra cost. This does not include listings on IOL and will be implemented via an xml feed from SAHT. The listing works on a permission basis, so if you are interested in taking advantage of this option please be sure to email us.
§ Highlight On Show and On Auction Property
With market conditions so tight, it’s important to utilize all the marketing tools available to you, particularly those important design features on the SAHometraders landing page. The On Show and On Auction buttons are valuable in that they target users who are specifically interested in this kind of property for sale, such as those searching Google for property on show or on auction in South Africa.
New Features
§ Brushing Up on Sectional Title
We recently came across the latest edition of the Paddocks Press monthly newsletter, which is packed with news and useful articles relating to sectional title property. SAHometraders has acquired permission from Paddocks to publish the various editions of their newsletter on our site. Click here if you would like to view the latest articles on sectional title.
§ Mobile Front Ends Ready for Take Off
Having recently launched a mobile version of the national site with great success, SAHometraders is pleased to announce that the promised mobile launch of agency sites is now possible. With an estimated 12 million cell phone users in South Africa, this dynamic marketing tool commands extensive reach for your product, with the value-added convenience of users able to access information anywhere, anytime from their mobile phone. The option includes a redirect whereby users accessing your regular website via cell phone are automatically sent to the mobile site. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
SPECIAL OFFER: Sign up for a new website today and get a 50% discount on a mobile site valued at R 750!
Technical Issues
§ Bugs in the Browser
Those of you using Firefox 3 may be experiencing a few technical glitches when it comes to uploading images or viewing multiple gallery images. The browser appears to allow just one image to be uploaded at a time and when trying to view a series of gallery images, the pop up appears once and then the page needs to be refreshed each time you want to view another image. Complaints have been lodged, but unfortunately all that can be done is to wait for an update from Firefox. Our suggestion in the meantime is to downgrade the version of your browser to Firefox 2.0.0.16, which can be done using the following link: http://download.mozilla.org/?product=firefox-2.0.0.16&os=win&lang=en-US.
§ Wading Through Results
In our continued effort to make the back office experience as user-friendly as possible, you will be pleased to know that a Sort function has been added to the property listings page, which will allow agents to sort their various listings and results in several ways. If you require any additional options, please contact us.
Marketing Services
National Site: SA Hometraders has over 600 subscribers, marketing 25000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a selection of farms, businesses and commercial developments.
Database of Contacts: This database consists of past and potential clients with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, the list should be expanded and updated on an ongoing basis.
Product Range:
§ List Management
§ Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
§ Electronic Signatures
§ Newsflashes
§ Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
The Bottom Line:
§ Once-off all-inclusive cost of R3876 for agency website design
§ Thereafter a charge of R171 p/m for website hosting
§ Subscription fees: R228 p/m for 10 listings or R399 p/m for unlimited listings
§ All costs include VAT
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, have a look at some of the sites that we have designed recently:
www.acuttswaverley.co.za
www.capetownpropertyinfo.co.za
www.therentalsandsalesagency.co.za
www.legalpropertygroup.co.za
www.simplyletting.co.za
www.terridicksproperties.co.za
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
SA Hometraders July Newsletter
Dear Subscriber
Welcome to the SA Hometraders Newsletter for the month of July. South African consumers continue to feel the pinch as food and fuel prices soar in response to interest rate hikes and the spiraling cost of oil. While pressures are more intense in emerging markets like South Africa, there is comfort in the knowledge that measures taken by local banks to combat inflation essentially take this responsibility out of the hands of politicians, thus increasing economic credibility. With house prices continuing to drop, SA Hometraders is determined to weather the storm and remain at the forefront of innovative online property marketing, ensuring that your product commands the best possible reach.
This newsletter contains:
- Updates on current activity,
- Information on our cutting-edge new features,
- Advice on technical issues.
At SA Hometraders, our goal is to meet the demand for alternative forms of advertising with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features. If you have any queries regarding our various products or services, please don’t hesitate to contact us: sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Yours in online marketing
The SA Hometraders Team
Subscriber Update
- Tuning in to the Mobile Generation
SA Hometraders recently announced the mobile launch of the national site, tapping into a resource that offers additional exposure to an estimated 12 million cell phone users throughout South Africa. Agencies with sites hosted by SAHT could soon benefit from this dynamic marketing tool, as there are plans in the pipeline to offer the mobile launch of agency sites as an additional option. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information regarding this exciting new development.
- Welcome Aboard
With the current economic climate in South Africa putting pressure on all sectors of the property market, it’s vital that estate agencies stay at the top of their game. Multiple listing on SA Hometraders and affiliated sites provides your product with extensive reach, but having your own website is the ultimate marketing tool, allowing you to showcase your entire property portfolio.
SA Hometraders would like to apologise for a misprint in last month’s newsletter and offer a warm welcome aboard to new members Platinum Affinity and Betvick Investments.
Other members who have recently come on board include:
Shiraz Valley Properties Falcon Estates
Stately Homes White House Estates
Seeff Property Hout Bay PJ Property Investments
Terri Dicks Properties Vhangona Properties
Admiral Island & Port Owen ERA Thabazimbi
Andrea@ Wilderness Props ERA Bloemfontein
Chateau Properties ERA Unique Upper Highway
- Make Uploading Property Simple
When it comes to achieving positive results, it’s vital that agencies utilize their resources effectively. Instead of agents taking on the added pressure of optimizing photos for property listings when they could be focusing their attention on making that all-important sale. Endorama Property Administrators provide a service to optimize and upload property listings for you. Email sue@sahometraders.co.za for more information.
- Updates on the Legal Front
This month’s legal update from C & A Friedlander Attorneys has to do with Phased Sectional Title Developments. “It happens increasingly that sectional title developers choose to reserve for themselves the right to develop schemes in phases…” Click here to view the full article.
New Features
- Back Office Evolution
When it comes to those all-important enquiries, it’s vital that none are missed, particularly in light of the current market. Subscribers can now check enquiries by period with a new reports tool in the back office.
To make your back office experience even more convenient, there is now an option to delete multiple listings. This applies to properties for sale, rentals, farms and commercial properties.
- A Way to List on Portals Overseas
Last month it was announced that those wishing to list properties on an overseas portal could now do so through an XML feed. XML is essentially a file format and each portal has different sequencing, so agencies interested in taking advantage of this option will have to provide SAHT with the particular portal’s specifications and we will then develop an interface and customize the format of the feed. For more information on how this works and the costs involved, please contact support@sahometraders.co.za.
- How to Get the Desired Results
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to optimize your listings in terms of the content and images. The key to marketing property effectively online is understanding the importance of factors that affect both potential buyers and search engines. SA Hometraders has developed an Optimisation Guide for Online Property Listings: a well-worded listing with well-taken images could have a profound impact on your sales turnover rate. Click here to access the guide.
- Keeping You in the Know
The SA Hometraders landing page continues to evolve, supplementing our value-added service with quality tools and useful information. The latest addition to the site is an Events Calendar, detailing what’s happening when and where in each of South Africa’s nine provinces. Any contributions to the content would be much appreciated and can be sent via email to support@sahometraders.co.za.
Technical Issues
- The Downside of Technology
No doubt, many of you were affected by the recent virus attack on our server’s database that caused the widespread corruption of data. Unfortunately, this is a malicious global phenomenon and the recent attack on SA Hometraders is not isolated, with many of the larger property portals also experiencing similar attacks this year. We have since developed software to combat this kind of assault and have cleaned up and restored any data that may have been corrupted.
- Taming of the Email Gremlins
SA Hometraders has experienced problems with the delivery of email in the last couple of weeks and can now confirm that the gremlins creating havoc in our system have since been tamed. Unfortunately, this is yet another issue that has to be dealt with from time to time, particularly when working in such a technical field.
Marketing Services
National Site: SA Hometraders has over 600 subscribers, marketing 25000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a selection of farms, businesses and commercial developments.
Database of Contacts: This database consists of past and potential clients with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, the list should be expanded and updated on an ongoing basis.
Product Range:
- List Management
- Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
- Electronic Signatures
- Newsflashes
- Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
The Bottom Line:
- Once-off all-inclusive cost of R3876 for agency website design
- Thereafter a charge of R171 p/m for website hosting
- Subscription fees: R228 p/m for 10 listings or R399 p/m for unlimited listings
- All costs include VAT
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, have a look at some of the sites that we have designed recently:
www.platinuminvestmentproperties.co.za
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Please visit www.sahometraders.co.za if you would like to buy or sell property in South Africa.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
SA Hometraders June Newsletter
Dear Valued Subscriber
Welcome to the SA Hometraders’ June Newsletter. The recent xenophobic attacks appear to be a ripple effect of the current economic situation in South Africa. With estate agents already suffering, the construction sector seems to be the latest to succumb, with a drop in residential building plans passed and small building companies facing lack of work. Even in such a volatile environment, SA Hometraders is determined to excel at the forefront of innovative online property marketing and ensure that your product commands the best possible reach.
Find in this newsletter:
- Updates on current activity,
- Information on our cutting-edge new features,
- Advice on technical issues.
At SA Hometraders, our goal is to meet the demand for alternative forms of advertising with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features. If you have not already taken advantage of what we have to offer, please click here for more information.
If you have any queries regarding our various products or services, please don’t hesitate to email us: sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Yours in online marketing
The SA Hometraders Team
Subscriber Update
- SAHT Goes Mobile
SA Hometraders is proud to announce the mobile launch of the national site, which provides additional exposure to an estimated 12 million mobile users in South Africa. The option is available to all WAP enabled mobile phones and can be accessed via http://saht.mobi. Nothing could be more convenient than browsing listings anytime, anywhere from the palm of your hand.
- Welcome Aboard
With the current downtrend in the residential property cycle, it’s vital that you stay a step ahead of your competitors. Having your own website is the ultimate tool, as this allows you to showcase your entire portfolio. Multiple site listings not only extend your reach, they translate into more enquiries and a higher sales turnover.
SA Hometraders is proud to welcome the following new members aboard:
ERA National George Falcon Estates
ERA Port Elizabeth Gold Wave Properties
ERA Upington Nhlanamana Properties
Carol’s Properties Chas Everitt Gansbaai
Platinum Investment Properties Rawson Properties Hermanus
Platinum Affinity Betvick Rawson Properties Cape Agulhas
Summer Homes Rawson Properties Gansbaai
MS Realty Hennily Carstons Properties
Little Mansion Estates
- Legal Update
This month’s legal update from C & A Friedlander Attorneys has to do with Sectional Title. “Sectional title schemes provide an ideal opportunity for developers to reap considerable profits in the real estate market…”
New Features
- Listing on an Overseas Portal
If you are looking for a simple way to download all your listings from SA Hometraders to an overseas portal, this is now possible through an XML feed. If you would like more information on what this is and how it works, please don’t hesitate to contact our IT department: support@sahometraders.co.za.
- Fractional Ownership
Over recent years, the price of property has skyrocketed and with interest rates spiraling, more and more South Africans are opting for fractional ownership as a viable holiday property investment option. In keeping with current market trends, SA Hometraders has included fractional ownership as a residential property type.
- Business Services
There is a Business Services option available for the frontends of SAHT powered websites. Essentially, this is linked to a list of service providers located in specific areas. Agents need to load the list manually from the back office.
Technical Issues
- Change in Details
In order to keep agency websites as current and up-to-date as possible, please be sure to advise the SAHT support team of any change in details, such as email addresses, fax or phone numbers. Email: support@sahometraders.co.za.
Marketing Services
National Site: SA Hometraders has over 600 subscribers, marketing 25000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a selection of farms, businesses and commercial developments.
Database of Contacts: This database consists of past and potential clients with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, the list should be expanded and updated on an ongoing basis.
Products for Maximum Reach:
- List Management
- Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
- Electronic Signatures
- Newsflashes
- Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
The Bottom Line:
- Once-off all-inclusive cost of R3876 for agency website design
- Thereafter a charge of R171 p/m for website hosting
- Subscription fees: R228 p/m for 10 listings or R399 p/m for unlimited listings
- All costs include VAT
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, have a look at some of the sites that we have designed recently:
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
SA Hometraders May Newsletter
Dear Subscriber
Welcome to the SA Hometrader’s Newsletter for May. The Reserve Bank’s decision to hike interest rates yet again and the domino effect inevitably set in motion with the rise in fuel prices is bound to create even more negative sentiment, which we all know has a direct influence on the property market. There are experts who say this is merely a natural period of consolidation sped up by a world economy in crisis. Whatever the case, SA Hometraders understands now more than ever the need to remain at the forefront of innovative online property marketing, ensuring that your product has the best possible reach.
In this newsletter:
- Updates on current activity;
- Information on our cutting-edge new features;
- Advice on recent technical issues.
SA Hometraders is proud to provide top of the range creative marketing services. If you have not already taken advantage of what we have to offer, please click here for more information.
If you have any queries regarding our various products or services, please don’t hesitate to email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Yours in online marketing
The SA Hometraders Team
Subscriber Update
- Your Own Website
With the property market ever tightening, it’s vital that you keep ahead of your competitors. When it comes to marketing property online, the ultimate advantage lies in having your own website, as this allows you to showcase your entire portfolio. Listing properties on multiple sites extends your reach, resulting in a much higher turnover rate. Have a look at some of the new sites we’ve designed recently.
Welcome aboard:
Cape Homes – www.capehomes.co.za
Realtors International – www.realtorsinternational.co.za
Out the Box Realty – www.outtheboxrealty.co.za
Bowring Estates – www.bowringestates.co.za
Gilbert Estates – www.gilbert-estates.co.za
My Own Property – www.myownproperty.co.za
Plovers Realty and Simply Letting are currently under development.
Click here to find out more about the SA Hometraders offering.
- Listings on Regional Sites
You will be interested to know that SA Hometraders is in the process of developing a number of regional sites. This means that your properties can now be listed dynamically on up to 11 different websites should you be active in specific areas, including your personal site, the SA Hometraders website, SA Rentals, SA Developments, SA Farmtraders, SA Commercial Property, Property Genie, iafrica and various others.
Examples of the regional sites are:
www.capetownpropertyforsale.co.za
www.overbergpropertyforsale.co.za
www.durbanpropertyforsale.co.za
www.johannesburgpropertyforsale.co.za
If you would like more information or have a regional site that you would like developed, please feel free to contact us.
- Purging Old Listings
Please be advised that we will soon be deleting sales and rentals listings over a year old. A further reminder will be sent out in due course to remind you to update any listings that are still current.
- Legal Update
C & A Friedlander Attorneys have provided us with an update on Wills and Estate Planning this month. “I am sure that you are familiar with the saying that nothing is certain in life, other than death and taxes. For this reason, if for no other, it is important to ensure that one’s Will is up to date…”
Click here to view the full article.
New Features
- Deeds Lookup
We felt it necessary to reiterate the fact that there is a deeds lookup access service option being developed in the back office. If you have any feedback or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- Photo Guide
The success of marketing a property online is often determined by how well the gallery images have been taken. A guide on How to Take Decent Photos of Real Estate has been compiled and a link is available to subscribers in the back office.
The guide provides valuable tips on:
Operating Your Camera: exposure, lens and model
How to Take a Good Photo: staging, highlighting, composing and timing.
Marketing Services
A brainchild of the Millennium, SA Hometraders now has over 600 subscribers, marketing 23000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a selection of farms, businesses and commercial developments. At SA Hometraders, we realise that real estate agencies are increasingly choosing to invest in alternative forms of advertising. Our goal is to meet that demand with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features.
There is also a heightened awareness of the importance of having a database of contacts that is up-to-date. This database consists of past and potential clients with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, the list should be expanded and updated on an ongoing basis.
SA Hometraders has created a range of innovative products to ensure maximum reach:
- List Management
- Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
- Electronic Signatures
- Newsflashes
- Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Please feel free to call us on 086 110 2379 or email sales@sahometraders should you require our services or any other information.
Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
SA Hometraders designs agency sites at a once-off all-inclusive cost of R3876. Thereafter, there is a monthly stipend of R171 for website hosting, plus the applicable monthly subscription payments. Agencies have two options when it comes to monthly subscription: either R228 p/m for up to 10 listings, or R399 p/m for unlimited listings. All costs include VAT.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, take a look at some of the sites that we have designed:
www.tasselberry.co.za
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
If you would like to buy or sell property in South Africa, please visit www.sahometraders.co.za.
Monday, April 14, 2008
SA Hometraders April Newsletter
Dear Subscriber
Herewith, the SA Hometraders’ April Newsletter. With fears of a global recession, the recent commercial property index returns for 2007 at least shed some relatively positive light on economic growth in the country. Although, the wonders of Eskom continue to undermine this and in a tight property market, average house prices are down. SA Hometraders strives to remain at the forefront of innovative online property marketing, ensuring that you have the best possible reach for your product.
This newsletter comprises:
- Updates on current activity;
- Information on our exciting new features;
- Advice on any technical issues.
SA Hometraders is proud to provide the latest in cutting-edge marketing services. If you have not already taken advantage of what we have to offer, please click here for more information.
If you have any queries regarding our various products or services, please don’t hesitate to email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Yours in online marketing
The SA Hometraders Team
Subscriber Update
- Holiday rentals
We felt it necessary to reiterate the extended option for holiday rental properties. The description fields can now contain more relevant information about the accommodation available, such as whether beds are double or single, if DSTV is available and how many people the dining area can seat. If you are interested in making use of this excellent feature, please click here to see an example.
- Working with images
There is still confusion around the replacement of images on the site. It’s important that you save the new image and then refresh your browser cache using CTRL F5. If the image does not refresh automatically then you need to repeat this action until the right image uploads. It is not just your browser cache that needs clearing, but also the proxy server of your ISP. Here are a few tips on how to do this through your browser:
Internet Explorer:
Select Tools then Internet Options and under General select Temporary Internet Files and select Delete Files then OK. You can automatically set up the browser to clear the cache by selecting Tools then Internet Options and under Advanced Settings, go to Security and check “Empty Temporary Internet Files” and OK.
Firefox:
Select Tools then Options and under Privacy select Clear Cache and OK. If you are using the latest version of Firefox then select Tools then Options and under Advanced select Network then Cache, Clear Now and OK.
- Banner advertising
When it comes to maximum exposure for your product, banner advertising is the ultimate tool. The SA Hometraders website receives a high density of traffic and investing in a banner will ensure that your product is viewed by thousands of potential buyers. This type of advertisement is perfectly suited for developments. If you would like to take advantage of this excellent option, please contact us by phone or email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
- Legal Update
This month’s legal update from C & A Friedlander Attorneys has to do with Information to Assist Buying Property as a Non-Resident in South Africa.
“South Africa is said to have one of the best Deeds registration systems in the world, which is highly accurate. All the information to each piece of land, including diagrams and owners details are recorded in the Deeds Registry of that region…” To access the full article, please click here.
- Logos
Please be advised that in future all logos featured on the SA Hometraders website will be a maximum of 10 000sq pixels in size. This is to ensure equal brand representation across the board. You should also know that we will be resizing all current logos in line with the new limit.
§ Property Forum
Introduced as a resource for potential buyers and sellers using the SA Hometraders site with information and feedback, the Property Forum currently receives high traffic. It provides agents with excellent additional marketing exposure, so please don’t hesitate to take part and respond to any postings. Your replies will have a twofold effect, marketing yourself and your product in the process. First time users need to register, so check out the site at http://propertyforum.saht.co.za for more details.
- SA Hometraders User Guide
For those of you who are new to SA Hometraders or are struggling with the back office, there is a User Guide available. There are a number of links within the page to help with specific areas, such as Agents, Developments or Rentals Admin. You can access this information via the “download help” links.
- Reports on enquiries made on your properties
When someone makes an enquiry on any of your listings, their details are automatically added to the agency contacts database. It’s important to know that there is already a list of contacts available, as this list is built up continuously. Not only do you have a past client database, but you are also gaining potential business and building up your future client database.
- Deeds Lookup
Please be advised that we are currently looking into the development of a deeds office lookup access service in the back office. Anyone interested in this feature, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Technical Issues
- How to take decent photos of real estate
It can’t be stressed enough how important photos are when marketing a property online. A couple of well taken images can increase the number of times a property is viewed, which in turn means a higher likelihood of an enquiry or sale. With all the latest camera technology, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to take a good photo. Of course, even if your calling isn’t photography, you can always put your budding progeny to work with a version of Photoshop. If you would like tips on how to take professional photos of property, a useful link for subscribers has been placed in the back office.
§ Uploading images
Please ensure that you resize the image before uploading it to the site, otherwise it can take forever to upload. Images should be a maximum of 350 pixels in width. If you want to cancel uploading an image or you don’t want to use one then please ensure that you also uncheck the tick box. When you replace an image, be sure to save your new image first before refreshing your cache with CTRL F5.
Marketing Services
A brainchild of the Millennium, SA Hometraders now has over 600 subscribers, marketing 23000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a selection of farms and commercial developments. At SA Hometraders, we realise that real estate agencies are increasingly choosing to invest in alternative forms of advertising. Our goal is to meet that demand with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features.
There is also a heightened awareness of the importance of having a database of contacts that is up-to-date. This database should consist of a list of contacts, including past and potential buyers with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, this list would be developed and expanded on an ongoing basis.
SA Hometraders has created a range of innovative products to ensure maximum reach:
- List Management
- Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
- Electronic Signatures
- Newsflashes
- Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Please feel free to call us on 086 110 2379 or email sales@sahometraders should you require our services or any other information.
Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
A major benefit of investing in this option is that properties listed on the agency website will automatically be listed on www.sahometraders.co.za. This gives you the unique prospect of having numerous sites working for you simultaneously. Your properties are listed on the SA Hometraders website, as well as www.sarental.co.za, www.sadevelopments.co.za and www.safarmtraders.co.za, should you be active in these areas. There is then the added benefit of a regional listing on www.capetownpropertyforsale.co.za, which attracts a good deal of its own traffic. This is extremely beneficial in terms of obtaining maximum reach and exposure of your product, without the burden of having to list each property more than once.
SA Hometraders designs agency sites at a once-off all-inclusive cost of R3876. Thereafter, there is a monthly stipend of R171 for website hosting, plus the applicable monthly subscription payments. Agencies have two options when it comes to monthly subscription: either R228 p/m for up to 10 listings, or R399 p/m for unlimited listings. All costs include VAT.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, take a look at some of the sites that we have designed:
www.tasselberry.co.za
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
SA Hometraders March Newsletter
Dear Valued Subscriber
Welcome to the SA Hometraders’ Newsletter for March. With the current property market experiencing such tight conditions, SA Hometraders understands the need to develop innovative marketing tools that stretch above and beyond the norm.
Our newsletter provides:
* valuable information on current activity;
* updates on our exciting new features;
* advice on various technical issues that you might experience.
We offer cutting edge online marketing services, so click here if you’re interested in finding out more.
If you have any queries or would simply like information, please feel free to email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za. We wish you all a productive month ahead.
Yours in Online Marketing
SAhometraders Team
Contents
1. Subscriber Updates
2. New Website Features
3. Technical Issues
Subscriber Update
Fresh blood
SA Hometraders is pleased to welcome two new members to the team: Jason Smit will contribute his exceptional graphic design and marketing expertise and Alana McVey will be responsible for invigorating the content on the site. Having been thrown in the deep end, it’s safe to say that both members are now out of armbands and learning to paddle..
Legal Update
C & A Friedlander has kindly offered to provide interesting and informative legal updates for our newsletter. This month, the update is centred on Important Information for Buyers and Sellers.
“For transfers make provision for extras such as post and petties, Rates Clearance Certificate or a Levy Clearance Certificate (R1000). For bonds make provision for extras such as post and petties, Deeds Office fees and Bank
Initiation fees (R2000 – R5700)...” If you would like to access the full article, please click here.
Holiday rentals
There is now an option to extend the description fields for those properties listed as holiday rentals. It would be worthwhile for prospective clients to know more about the accommodation available. If you are interested in making use of this option, please click here to see an example.
How to drive traffic to your website
In order to take full advantage of your website, you constantly need to drive traffic towards it. There are a number of simple ways to do this, such as advertising your web address, including it on your stationary, highlighting it on your show boards and promoting it on your motor vehicles. Another effective marketing tool is to include your web address in your emails and send frequent updates and news articles to your database of past and potential clients. We also suggest updating your website as often as possible. Of course, if all else fails, you could always employ a recent university graduate and put them to work with a sandwich board.
New Website Features
SMS notifications
There is a new feature on the site that allows potential buyers to send an SMS request to an agent when viewing a listed property that they are interested in. SMSes are charged at 50c each and can be bought in bundles of 300. This is an innovative and convenient marketing tool and we strongly suggest that you make use of the option.
Start your own listing network
There is an excellent opportunity for agencies to create listing networks amongst themselves. Essentially, this would involve sharing listings and drawing reports on property for sale or property that has already been sold. Every time that a property is added, updated or sold, each member of the network is sent a notification This helps reduce the general administration of multi-listings and allows agencies to share information and stay informed on an ongoing basis. The service is offered at absolutely no cost, so if you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Reports on people who enquire about your properties
The details of the person making the enquiry on any of your listings are automatically added to the agency’s contacts database. This means that you simultaneously gain potential new business and build up your future client database.
Technical Issues
New Age Communication
Skype contact details can now be added to your agent or office profile. This is an excellent tool in terms of communicating effectively with clients at a fraction of the cost. You can add your skype address to your agent’s profile using the back-office, but if you would like to the update the office details then you need to contact us and we will be happy to do it for you.
Tip: If you aren’t sure how to go about downloading Skype, all you need to do is visit http://www.skype.com/and follow the simple download prompts. You will need to invest in a pair of headphones with a microphone if you are interested in using the voice over option.
Rentals Summary Listings
Agents who have a website hosted by SA Hometraders are now able to add their contact details to rentals summary listings. Thanks go to Citihomes for bringing this to our attention.
Rental Property
The “Let By Us” Sticker on rental property now reads: “Sorry Rented Out”. Thanks to Rose Eedes and Joan Homes for that.
Marketing Services Now Available
Formed 7 years ago, SA Hometraders now has over 600 subscribers, 23000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a diverse selection of farms and commercial developments. At SA Hometraders, we realise that real estate agencies are increasingly choosing to invest in alternative forms of advertising. Our goal is to meet that demand with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features.
There is also a heightened awareness of the importance of having a database of contacts that is up-to-date. This database should consist of a list of contacts, including past and potential buyers with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, this list would be developed and expanded on an ongoing basis.
SA Hometraders has created a range of innovative products to ensure maximum reach:
1. List Management
2. Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
3. Electronic Signatures
4. Newsflashes
5. Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Please feel free to call us on 086 110 2379 or email sales@sahometraders should you require our services or any other information.
Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
A major benefit of investing in this option is that properties listed on the agency website will automatically be listed on http://www.sahometraders.co.za/. This gives you the unique prospect of having numerous sites working for you simultaneously. Your properties are listed on the SA Hometraders website, as well as http://www.sarental.co.za/, http://www.sadevelopments.co.za/ and http://www.safarmtraders.co.za/, should you be active in these areas. There is then the added benefit of a regional listing on http://www.capetownpropertyforsale.co.za/, which attracts a good deal of its own traffic. This is extremely beneficial in terms of obtaining maximum reach and exposure of your product without the burden of having to list each property more than once.
SA Hometraders designs agency sites at a once-off cost of R3300 and a charge of R114 is levied for domain registration. Thereafter, there is a monthly stipend of R171 for website hosting, plus the applicable monthly subscription payments. Agencies have two options when it comes to monthly subscription: either R228 p/m for up to 10 listings, or R399 p/m for unlimited listings.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, have a look at some of the sites that we have designed:
* http://www.joanhomes.co.za/
* http://www.citihomes.co.za/
* http://www.roseeedes.co.za/
* http://www.upton.co.za/
* http://www.coastalrealestate.co.za/
* http://www.durrestates.co.za/
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za
Contact Us
* Tel: +27 (0)86 110 2379
* Fax: +27(0)86 604 7829
* Email: sales@sahometraders.co.za
* Web: http://www.sahometraders.co.za/
Welcome to the SA Hometraders’ Newsletter for March. With the current property market experiencing such tight conditions, SA Hometraders understands the need to develop innovative marketing tools that stretch above and beyond the norm.
Our newsletter provides:
* valuable information on current activity;
* updates on our exciting new features;
* advice on various technical issues that you might experience.
We offer cutting edge online marketing services, so click here if you’re interested in finding out more.
If you have any queries or would simply like information, please feel free to email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za. We wish you all a productive month ahead.
Yours in Online Marketing
SAhometraders Team
Contents
1. Subscriber Updates
2. New Website Features
3. Technical Issues
Subscriber Update
Fresh blood
SA Hometraders is pleased to welcome two new members to the team: Jason Smit will contribute his exceptional graphic design and marketing expertise and Alana McVey will be responsible for invigorating the content on the site. Having been thrown in the deep end, it’s safe to say that both members are now out of armbands and learning to paddle..
Legal Update
C & A Friedlander has kindly offered to provide interesting and informative legal updates for our newsletter. This month, the update is centred on Important Information for Buyers and Sellers.
“For transfers make provision for extras such as post and petties, Rates Clearance Certificate or a Levy Clearance Certificate (R1000). For bonds make provision for extras such as post and petties, Deeds Office fees and Bank
Initiation fees (R2000 – R5700)...” If you would like to access the full article, please click here.
Holiday rentals
There is now an option to extend the description fields for those properties listed as holiday rentals. It would be worthwhile for prospective clients to know more about the accommodation available. If you are interested in making use of this option, please click here to see an example.
How to drive traffic to your website
In order to take full advantage of your website, you constantly need to drive traffic towards it. There are a number of simple ways to do this, such as advertising your web address, including it on your stationary, highlighting it on your show boards and promoting it on your motor vehicles. Another effective marketing tool is to include your web address in your emails and send frequent updates and news articles to your database of past and potential clients. We also suggest updating your website as often as possible. Of course, if all else fails, you could always employ a recent university graduate and put them to work with a sandwich board.
New Website Features
SMS notifications
There is a new feature on the site that allows potential buyers to send an SMS request to an agent when viewing a listed property that they are interested in. SMSes are charged at 50c each and can be bought in bundles of 300. This is an innovative and convenient marketing tool and we strongly suggest that you make use of the option.
Start your own listing network
There is an excellent opportunity for agencies to create listing networks amongst themselves. Essentially, this would involve sharing listings and drawing reports on property for sale or property that has already been sold. Every time that a property is added, updated or sold, each member of the network is sent a notification This helps reduce the general administration of multi-listings and allows agencies to share information and stay informed on an ongoing basis. The service is offered at absolutely no cost, so if you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Reports on people who enquire about your properties
The details of the person making the enquiry on any of your listings are automatically added to the agency’s contacts database. This means that you simultaneously gain potential new business and build up your future client database.
Technical Issues
New Age Communication
Skype contact details can now be added to your agent or office profile. This is an excellent tool in terms of communicating effectively with clients at a fraction of the cost. You can add your skype address to your agent’s profile using the back-office, but if you would like to the update the office details then you need to contact us and we will be happy to do it for you.
Tip: If you aren’t sure how to go about downloading Skype, all you need to do is visit http://www.skype.com/and follow the simple download prompts. You will need to invest in a pair of headphones with a microphone if you are interested in using the voice over option.
Rentals Summary Listings
Agents who have a website hosted by SA Hometraders are now able to add their contact details to rentals summary listings. Thanks go to Citihomes for bringing this to our attention.
Rental Property
The “Let By Us” Sticker on rental property now reads: “Sorry Rented Out”. Thanks to Rose Eedes and Joan Homes for that.
Marketing Services Now Available
Formed 7 years ago, SA Hometraders now has over 600 subscribers, 23000 properties for sale, 4000 rentals and a diverse selection of farms and commercial developments. At SA Hometraders, we realise that real estate agencies are increasingly choosing to invest in alternative forms of advertising. Our goal is to meet that demand with progressive online marketing ideas and state-of-the-art design features.
There is also a heightened awareness of the importance of having a database of contacts that is up-to-date. This database should consist of a list of contacts, including past and potential buyers with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, this list would be developed and expanded on an ongoing basis.
SA Hometraders has created a range of innovative products to ensure maximum reach:
1. List Management
2. Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
3. Electronic Signatures
4. Newsflashes
5. Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Please feel free to call us on 086 110 2379 or email sales@sahometraders should you require our services or any other information.
Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency Website Design and Hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
A major benefit of investing in this option is that properties listed on the agency website will automatically be listed on http://www.sahometraders.co.za/. This gives you the unique prospect of having numerous sites working for you simultaneously. Your properties are listed on the SA Hometraders website, as well as http://www.sarental.co.za/, http://www.sadevelopments.co.za/ and http://www.safarmtraders.co.za/, should you be active in these areas. There is then the added benefit of a regional listing on http://www.capetownpropertyforsale.co.za/, which attracts a good deal of its own traffic. This is extremely beneficial in terms of obtaining maximum reach and exposure of your product without the burden of having to list each property more than once.
SA Hometraders designs agency sites at a once-off cost of R3300 and a charge of R114 is levied for domain registration. Thereafter, there is a monthly stipend of R171 for website hosting, plus the applicable monthly subscription payments. Agencies have two options when it comes to monthly subscription: either R228 p/m for up to 10 listings, or R399 p/m for unlimited listings.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, have a look at some of the sites that we have designed:
* http://www.joanhomes.co.za/
* http://www.citihomes.co.za/
* http://www.roseeedes.co.za/
* http://www.upton.co.za/
* http://www.coastalrealestate.co.za/
* http://www.durrestates.co.za/
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za
Contact Us
* Tel: +27 (0)86 110 2379
* Fax: +27(0)86 604 7829
* Email: sales@sahometraders.co.za
* Web: http://www.sahometraders.co.za/
SA Hometraders February Newsletter
SA Hometraders is a property portal offering dynamic online marketing services to estate agents around South Africa. The newsletter will provide you with valuable information about current activity and the various features and services on offer. If you'd like to buy or rent property in South Africa, please don't hesitate to visit the SA Hometraders website.
The SAHometraders Newsletter
Dear Subscriber
Welcome to the latest SA Hometraders Newsletter. Where did January disappear to? If this is an indication of how time flies, then we’re in for an action-packed year ahead.
Our newsletter provides valuable information on current activity, information on our exciting new features, and gives insight and advice on technical issues that you might have on the site. We have a fantastic, cutting-edge service to share with you, so click here for more information.
If you have any queries or would simply like more information about a service or feature then please feel free to email us at support@sahometraders.co.za. Here’s wishing you all a brilliant 2008 and a mutually beneficial work relationship.
Yours in Online MarketingThe SAHometraders Team
Contents
1. Subscriber Updates
2. New Website Features
3. Technical Issues
Click here to find out more about our Marketing Services....
Visit our Regional Sites
Cape Town, Winelands, West Coast, Overberg & Garden Route
Durban, Natal North Coast, Natal South Coast
Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Randburg, Alberton & Edenvale
Port Elizabeth
Bloemfontein
Nelspruit
Subscriber Update
Property Genie
This is Mortgage SA’s property portal and is currently free of charge. In terms of generating maximum marketing exposure, it’s important that your properties are listed on this site. Your Group IT department or a portal such as SA Hometraders can do the listing. If you have yet to list your properties on the Property Genie site, we will be happy to enable this for you.
Rentals
Everyone is well aware of the tight sales market currently affecting the country. The hike in interest rates has resulted in an escalation in rental applications. Our rentals portal has recently experienced a dramatic increase in activity, so if you haven’t yet listed your rental properties with SA Hometraders then it would benefit your agency immensely to do so immediately.
Property Forum
The property forum was introduced to provide information and feedback for potential buyers and sellers who use the SA Hometraders site. It receives high traffic so there is an increased visibility value and it has become a useful resource for buyers, sellers and agents alike. The forum provides excellent additional marketing exposure, so please be encouraged to take part and respond to any postings, as you’ll be marketing yourself and your product in the process. You’ll have to register if you’re a first time user so check out http://propertyforum.saht.co.za for more details.
New Website Features for the National Site
Email A Brochure
There is an excellent new feature on the site that allows you to send an HTML version of the property being viewed to a friend or contact. Not only users can take advantage of this productive marketing tool, agents are also able to send featured properties to their prospective clients.
Technical Issues
How do I feature listings on the website?
The SAHometraders landing page makes provision for 6 dynamically listed featured properties. For a first time visitor, these featured properties will be the last six properties listed with an image (which is why it is so important to include an image). Once a visitor has navigated any particular geographic area of the site, say Sandton for example, and then returns to the landing page, the featured property will be the last six properties with images listed in that area.
How long does it take for properties to appear on the Property Genie website?
The update engine runs once a day so your listings should appear within 48 hours. You should also know that the PG website keeps listings for a full year and then they are automatically removed.
What about listings on the SAHometraders database?
Be advised that from the 15th of March 2008 any properties that have been listed for more than a year will be deleted from the database. It’s important that you update your listings on a regular basis. We will be sending out an email prompt in due course to remind you to do so.
Do I reply to the Notify-Me emails?
Notify-Me emails are sent out automatically by the system so there is no need to reply, as we are unable to track buyer or tenant details this way. The function runs on an anonymous basis so if you would like to attract the attention of a buyer or tenant then it acts as a reminder to load any new property that fits their requirements onto the site. This way the user will be able to view the property and contact your agency directly. If your listings are always 100% up-to-date, we can remove you from the system.
What must I do when uploading images?
We are still experiencing problems with the uploading of images onto the site. When photos are not resized before they are loaded, it can take a lot of time to transfer the pictures to the server. It’s important that you resize your photos first. There are tools available to do this, such as Windows, Photoshop or any other image resizing software.
Tip: Resizing pictures is made so much simpler using a free Windows XP download called the Image Resizer. If you are using any other Windows package, you can also download the Fast Image Resizer for free. Alternatively, use the Internet to find software that will suit your particular system. There is a link for free image resizing software (IrfanView) on the SA Hometraders site.Also, there have been queries about the replacement of images.
Sometimes, when subscribers replace an image they find the old imagestill displayed on the site. If this does happen, try refreshing the pageusing CTRL F5 and the new image should appear
How do I change my agency profile?
If you’d like to change something on your profile then all you need to do is forward us the updated information, such as the principle’s name, address and telephone numbers. When agents leave the company, there is no need to advise us of this unless you are unsure how to move listings to another agent.
Marketing Services Now Available
Formed some 7 years ago, SAHometraders now has over 600 subscribers, the site listing 23 000 properties for sale, 4 000 rentals and a diverse selection of farms and commercial developments. At SA Hometraders, we realise that real estate agencies are increasingly choosing to invest in alternative forms of advertising. Our goal is to meet that demand with progressive online marketing ideas and state of the art design features.
There is also a heightened awareness of the importance of having a database of contacts that is up-to-date. This database should consist of a list of contacts, including past and potential buyers with whom you wish to remain in regular contact. Ideally, this list would be developed and expanded on an ongoing basis.
SA Hometraders has developed a range of innovative products to ensure maximum reach:
- List Management
- Monthly/Quarterly Newsletter
- Electronic Signatures
- Newsflashes
- Various SMS Options
We would be happy to design an appropriate package to suit your particular needs. Please feel free to call us on 086 110 2379 or email sales@sahometraders should you require our services or any other information.Should you be in the process of setting up a similar arrangement elsewhere, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a competitive option.
Agency website design and hosting
In addition to the national site, SA Hometraders has designed over 180 agency sites. These sites are template based, but are personalized in terms of look, feel, branding and any additional information that may be required.
A major benefit of investing in this option is that properties listed on the agency website will automatically be listed on www.sahometraders.co.za. This gives you the unique prospect of having four sites working for you simultaneously. This is extremely beneficial in terms of obtaining maximum reach and exposure of your product without the burden of having to list each property more than once.
It makes no difference whether the agency is independent or a branch/franchise of a larger brand - the benefits of the agency site remain the same. Agencies have the opportunity to showcase their own portfolio of properties, provide information on the area in which they operate, and identify their particular strengths and marketing strategy for prospective clients.
This option provides the agency with a distinct advantage, particularly when compared to corporate sites. The corporate site process is often slow as it takes the browser time to sort through and find specific properties in an area. There is also little opportunity for agencies to display their properties as they would ideally like to do.
SAHometraders designs agency sites at a once-off cost of R3300 and a charge of R114 is levied for domain registration. Thereafter, there is a monthly stipend of R171 for website hosting, plus the applicable monthly subscription payments. Agencies have two options when it comes to monthly subscription: either R228 p/m for up to 10 listings, or R399 p/m for unlimited listings.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this option, have a look at some of the sites that we have designed:
www.upton.co.za
www.coastalrealestate.co.za
www.durrestates.co.za
www.citihomes.co.za
www.propertybykaz.co.za
www.falsebayproperties.co.za
We look forward to hearing from you and are more than happy to discuss further detail telephonically, or where practical, it can be arranged for us to call on you. You can email us at sales@sahometraders.co.za
Contact Us
Tel: +27 (0)86 110 2379
Fax: +27(0)86 604 7829
Email: sales@sahometraders.co.za
Web: www.sahometraders.co.za
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