Sheya offers expert insight for first-time homebuyers

Seasoned professional with a wealth of knowledge
Real estate expert Aina Sheya challenges the notion of a 'perfect' home, instead urging buyers to consider a property's potential.
Jemimah Ndebele
In the world of real estate, Aina Sheya stands out as a seasoned professional with a wealth of knowledge. In a recent interview, she shared valuable tips and insight specifically tailored for first-time homebuyers.
Sheya's advice centres on the importance of financial discipline and creative thinking when embarking on a homeownership journey.
"When considering buying your first home, the initial step is to trim unnecessary expenses," she advised. Here, she highlighted the common habit of accumulating debts from cash loans and credit accounts at retail stores as one to avoid.
She emphasised the need to cut down on such expenses to improve eligibility for bank loans.
To this end, she encouraged individuals to explore side hustles as a means to boost their income, ultimately enabling them to qualify for larger loans.

Potential over perfection
The real estate agent also challenged the conventional notion of a 'perfect' home. "Instead of fixating on finding the ideal home, consider a property's potential," she suggested.
Sheya stressed that homes with great potential - even if they require renovation - can often be acquired at attractive prices. In many cases, the cost of renovating an older home may prove to be more economical than purchasing a brand-new one.
She also underscored the importance of aligning the property with one's lifestyle and needs.
Delving into the often-overlooked expenses of homeownership, Sheya provided insight into the financial complexities involved. "The purchase price of a home is just the beginning," she warned.
Beyond the sale price, homebuyers should factor in additional costs such as bank bond fees, transfer fees paid to lawyers and ongoing maintenance expenses. Being financially prepared for unexpected repairs as well as municipal rates and taxes is crucial. For those interested in homes within complexes or townhouses, she also mentioned body corporate levies as an added financial consideration.
To make her expertise easily accessible, Sheya offers various communication channels.
"Prospective clients can connect with me on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. You can also visit my website at ainasheya.com," she shared.