Realnet George - ************ Estate Agency tactics

I am usually patient and understanding, but calling me a **** crosses the line. Honesty is fundamental to human interaction, and breaking someone's trust is a grave insult. So, don’t call me a ****!

My negotiation with Johan (RealNet George) began on June 11 for a property in Loerie Park (6 De Mist Street). The advertised price was R22,000 per month, one of the highest in its category, but I wanted to see it anyway. On June 14, I realized the house was overpriced. While I respect the owner’s right to set a price, it’s my prerogative to accept, negotiate, or reject it.

The house is very old and hasn’t been upgraded or renovated for decades. It has no kitchen fittings (stove/oven), no shower in the main bathroom, outdated sanitaryware, torn carpets, and more.

Despite this, the house size suited our needs, but not at the asking price. I decided to negotiate with what I thought was a generous offer: If the owner dropped the price to R16,000, I would replace the carpets with tiles and install showers at my own expense, both in the main house and the granny flat (offer made June 17).

On June 18, the owner countered with R18,000, leaving the house as is. I agreed to this and requested early occupancy without extra rent (Proof available). Johan confirmed this arrangement on June 18 and requested I send in the documents. He then claimed he hadn’t discussed the R18,000 price with the owner, despite previously stating that the owner himself, suggested the R18,000.

I completed the application forms, filling in the agreed-upon R18,000 before signing. On June 20, I received a message from RealNet (Tracey) stating that Johan informed her the rent was now R20,000 per month. This angered me, as we had already agreed on a price, and I had completed the forms. I stated that I would not be interested in the property at that price and canceled the application.

As a last attempt to salvage the relationship, I offered R19,000 if the owner agreed to install an oven/stove in the kitchen. Johan agreed to this on June 20. Over the weekend, I paid the deposit and the first month’s rent of R38,000 plus a R700 contract fee.

On June 24, I received a message that they wanted to charge me occupational rent if I moved in five days early. Although this is standard practice, it was not what we had agreed upon, and it was another flip-flop of the terms. I decided to withdraw my offer completely as I had lost trust in the agency and the owner.

Johan’s response via WhatsApp voice note was: “Dit “Occupational rent” was nooit bespreek gewees nie en as hy nie by ons wil huur nie dan moet hy sy goed wat en loop. Ek het nog nooit sukke kleinlikheid in my lewe gesien nie.”

Charging an extra R3,200 is a legitimate concern, especially when it contradicts previous agreements. He clearly intended to use that money to pay for the oven, which was his responsibility.

Be cautious with estate agents like this one—record everything. (Johan's response to this on my Facebook post was to send laughing emojis - very professional)