Market knowledge and relationships remain key to efficient off-market sales
The exclusivity of an off-market listing with Knight Frank delivered a streamlined sales process and a serious buyer for two local Cape sellers, made possible through the established networking talents of property agent duo David Sims and Christina van Schoor.
With a 12-year career at Knight Frank respectively, both David and Christina excel at establishing trusted business relationships with their knowledge and networking skills as both Pinelands residents themselves, and as agents covering the Pinelands and Thornton areas in the Western Cape.
By matching the tastes, personalities and specific market requirements of two local buyers looking to enjoy elite access to off-market inventory, it was a stress-free experience from first handshake to handing over the house keys for both the buyers and the sellers.
“We met and did an evaluation for a Sunny Way, Pinelands seller on January 4th, 2018,” explains David Sims. “The house was a typical character-filled Pinelands home with teak doors and windows, wooden floors and large rooms featuring high ceilings. Recent renovations meant the kitchen and bathrooms were in good condition and there was a large family-friendly lounge area and eat-in kitchen which overlooked a west-facing pool and lawns, with an additional garden bedsit, ideal for visiting guests.
“Towards the end of January, I met with a buyer I knew would be ideally suited to the Sunny Way house and since neither the buyer or the seller were in a hurry, I suggested they meet and let the situation develop.”
Says David; “When the buyer saw the house in January, they fell in love with it. The seller and the buyer also got on well together which benefited further viewings with the buyer’s family members. Following subsequent meetings to discuss price and timing, the buyer was invited to make an offer which she put forward in April. Following client negotiations, the offer was concluded on May 1st and once finance had been finalised. Transfer is due in July.”
Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in local area property is key to exceptional sales explains Christina van Schoor; “The buyers wanted to move to Pinelands to be closer to their children and grandchildren, which they take care of during the day. Referred to as the 15-minute suburb, the Pinelands area is popular for its community-feel and its accessibility to many of Cape Town's facilities. Property prices are favourable compared to those across the river and both the plot and house-sizes are preferred by family buyers. Pinelands is also favourable due to its good schools, medical facilities and shopping centres which creates an inviting environment for family-orientated buyers.
“The Sunny Way sale was the second low-key sale we have facilitated recently without the property going on the open market; it’s really about who you know, and it takes time to build those insider relationships.”
Well done to David and Christina.