❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Serenity Properties

Here are some frequent questions you may have, and we’re here to help with clear, expert answers.

What do I need to qualify for a rental? 
Questions about real estate
  • Rental Application Form 
  • Proof of employment (Job Letter, Payslips etc.) 
  • Proof of ID (Drivers License, ID Card etc.) 
  • Security Deposit and First Month’s Rent 
How long does a sale take to close? 
  • Cash Sales can close as quickly as 1-3 months once both Vendor and Purchaser have all necessary paperwork and Documents to hand. 
  • Financed sales usually take a bit longer to close depending on the institution and attorneys involved, however on average 6-9 months. 
What’s the commission on a sale or rental? 
  • Rental- Equivalent of a month’s rent + VAT 
  • Sale- Equivalent of 5% + VAT of the sale price 
What’s the first step to buying Real Estate? 
  • Mortgage Pre-Approval/Mortgage Qualification. Contact your financial institution to find out how much you qualify for to be able to purchase your dream property. 
If I sell my home; what are the associated costs? 
  • Real Estate Agency Commission – 5% of sale Price 
  • Attorney Fees- Usually around 3% of sale price 
  • Property Transfer Tax- 2.5% on House and Land over $150,000 and 2.5% on land alone 
  • Stamp Duty- 1% of sale Price. 
What do I need to list my property for sale? 
  • Proof of Title Deeds 
  • Recent Valuation 
  • Recent Land Tax Bill 
  • Plot/Site Plan (No older than 20 years) 
How would Serenity Properties market my home for sale? 
  • We recognise that each property and each property owner will have their own unique circumstances, thus we create tailored individualized marketing strategies for each property. Marketing can usually include: 
  • Serenity Website – MLS (Multiple Listing Services) 
  • Social Media Listings – Internationally Accredited Websites 
Do I need to walk with anything at the time of Site Visit/ Viewing? 
  • No, upon viewing and your interest is made clear, your agent will guide you on the next steps whether Sale or Rental. 
What’s the Difference between a Furnished, Unfurnished or Semi-Furnished Listing? 
  • Unfurnished usually means no furnishings at all are included in the rental and tenants will have to furnish the unit themselves at their own expense. 
  • Semi-furnished usually means Appliances only such as Fridge, Stove, and Washer/Dryer may be included in the rental. This can sometimes be used to describe partly or sparsely furnished spaces. 
  • Fully Furnished usually refers to properties that are offered with a basic complement of furnishings. 
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