Spotlight on Bromhof Wetlands Park. And rightly so. But, we also believe the current state of the Bromhof Wetlands Park is part of the problem that immediate properties in the area face in terms of the Bromhof property prices. Fixing the park is part of the solution. As an open space in the area, it’s unsightly, forgotten and yet it plays such a vital role in the area. Keller Williams, the largest real estate franchise in the world. And, for that reason, we are leveraging two prominent Keller Williams agents who work in the Bromhof suburb to make things right and restore the Bromhof Wetlands Park to its former glory.
Spotlight on adopt a park
A City Parks initiative called adopt a park and Keller Williams is stepping up to the plate. This sorry, sad state of affairs for the Bromhof Wetlands Park is an absolute eyesore for local residents in the Bromhof area. To the extent that moms cannot push prams on the roads. Also, vagrants have taken up occupation in the park. In addition, there are visible signs by way of mattresses hidden in the grass and reeds, where people sleep, pots and pans and heaven knows what else. Folks this is a classic example of how humans can destroy nature.
Bromhof Wetlands Park the current situation
The Bromhof Wetlands Park has been forgotten. Sadly maintenance is no longer a priority and for all the wrong reasons. As a result, the Bromhof Wetlands Park is now overrun with alien vegetation. This has resulted in Black Jacks taking over. Black Jacks are considered alien vegetation and only become problematic when regular mowing stops. There is no place for Black Jacks in an urban wetlands area. The demarcated primary wetlands area is slowly but surely being overtaken by this alien vegetation. But, in partnership with City Parks, Keller Williams has stepped up to the plate. So in summary, we have different plans for the park but plan to see the Bromhof Wetlands Park restored to a Wetlands. We will passionately celebrate the rich biodiversity that is evident right on our doorstep.
Vagrants have moved in
When maintenance stops things go South. This park is a forgotten gem. Vagrants have moved in and are becoming a visible breeding ground for criminal activity. Residents no longer feel safe pushing prams. Furthermore, walking dogs and taking family walks together are no longer enjoyable. And, the birdlife may be slowly starting to disappear.
Other potential threats
Two years ago a big fire in the Bromhof Wetlands Park threatened local households. There have been rodent infestations like rats which make living in the area very unpleasant. The police presence is minimal at best. The park is also being used to dump building rubble and garden refuse which is illegal. The groundwater now runs over the road and has affected the road surface which is currently lifting and under repairs. If the stormwater and overflowing groundwater is not controlled, the roads will deteriorate even further. In conclusion, a quick patch on the road, will not for any length of time. The core issue of groundwater and stormwater management must be considered as part of a long term plan.
The powers that be from City Parks just love our plans
Yesterday, 5th May 2022, Keller Williams met with the leadership of COJ and City Parks who were devastated by what they saw. Keller Williams Select is indeed reaching out to sponsors who can support this worthy initiative. Our motives are good, and our intentions are honourable and right.
Spotlight on Bromhof Wetlands Park and how it all started
Residential property development going back 20+ years ago did manage to divert the natural, clear and abundant groundwater. This management of water must be considered above and below the park. When diverting the groundwater in the way it has been diverted, the natural flow of water is changed. This ends up in backyards and is often seen as rising damp. Nature is now and has been in imbalance for some time. You see diverted groundwater to the extent that it has been diverted actually visible upsets and changes the natural balance of mother nature. But now we have tools at our disposal to restore the Bromhof Wetlands Park.
The plans for the Bromhof Wetlands Park
We start with cleaning up the park. Then we maintain it. All our efforts will be aligned with City Park requirements. We will ensure core wetlands vegetation starts to thrive. We can include a nice border for the park. Benches could be included. Soft pathways can be added. Awareness can be built around the rich biodiversity in the park. The importance of wetlands in an urbanised suburb Bromhof and so much more.
Blackjacks, did you know?
Did you know that the Blackjack which we all detest, yes, the one that clings to your pants legs, actually has what is called a pom that carries over 400 little seeds? Just imagine 4,000 Blackjack plants all shedding 400 seeds once a year. There will be no wetlands vegetation left in a few years’ time.
Jumping through the right hoops
When we met with City Parks about the Bromhof Wetlands Park, we all shared concerns about how this gem got so forgotten and what the impact is of neglect. We now find ourselves in the most stunning position. The City Parks leadership believes in this initiative. They are all supporting us. But the next steps are to present a proposal with detailed plans for the park that will honour our commitments to keep the Wetlands a Wetlands. No mountain bike tracks, no cemented paths, etc. Originally classified as wetlands, it will remain a wetland. We will preserve this biodiversity at all costs.
Formal direction from City Parks
So, any and all our efforts will consider the direction that City Parks provide to ensure alien vegetation is removed, and natural grasses which should be present are encouraged to flourish. Markers will be erected to demarcate which area of the park can be cleared and what should not even be touched. We will hopefully be able to find a sponsor for some short wooden poles or bollards to be erected to preserve the area and demarcate the park for public enjoyment. The journey is still a long one, but we are confident that by June we will be able to start with the clean-up process. From there we will maintain the park and ensure that we are able to sustain the work we have done and still plan to do.
Keller Williams has other plans for the Bromhof Wetlands Park
KW plans to put Bromhof on the map once again. We plan to clean up and maintain the Bromhof Wetlands Park. Essentially restore the park to its former glory. We will work hard to educate residents and surrounding areas about the importance of these Wetlands. We will raise awareness using social media and all forms necessary to celebrate the rich biodiversity evident in the Bromhof Wetlands Park.
Want to get involved?
If we want to keep the spotlight on the Bromhof Wetlands project then we know this is also not a quick in and out job. We have included the Google Maps Pin if you are new to the area. As Keller Williams estate agents, our primary focus is to help sell homes in the Bromhof area. We will also do our best to preserve and grow property prices in the Bromhof area. Ashley and I plan to carefully construct a plan that delivers on the promise for Bromhof. We will work tirelessly to ensure that property prices in the Bromhof area are maintained and that we keep seeing property growth in the Bromhof area. But we also want to drive this initiative because we care about the community and the Bromhof Wetlands Park. It is an honour to get involved and we are energetic and passionate about our part in the restoration of the Bromhof Wetlands Park.
For more info call Ashley or Sandy
Although Keller Williams is driving this initiative, we would happily and openly welcome any of the local residents and small businesses in the area to really make a difference. We will be using FaceBook as a primary communication tool. Local is lekker. And we would like to use small businesses in the area that would benefit from this project to reach out. You can contact Ashley Baney from Keller Williams Clockwork at (061) 772-8122 or Sandy Graham from Keller Williams Select at (083) 550-1220. We are reaching out for sponsorship already. We have one or two primary sponsors in mind so watch this space.
Get in Touch
So, if you need a valuation done on a property anywhere in Randburg or elsewhere in Jhb, we can help. Give us a call on telephone number (064) 549-3123. Alternatively, drop us an e-mail. We have a vast network of almost 1,500 top Keller Williams agents at our fingertips who are all just dying for the opportunity to partner with you to sell and conclude your property transaction in record time.
If you want to view all the Keller Williams properties across the country, click on our website to start the search for your dream home. Need help getting a pre-approved homeloan, it’s free and our strategic partners will find you the best rate over 20 years! And finally, if you are thinking of putting your property on the market and need a free property valuation, click here!
Sell my home? Yes, a kitchen will sell a home. Need to connect with a top Keller Williams agent to do a valuation or get some property advice, click here.
That and knowing it’s a buyer’s market means you could try home staging and specifically your kitchen! Wow, we have had such a fabulous response from you, our readers and we had such fun writing the article that we have decided to write another and see where this goes.
We got some fab responses from:
- Homeowners who have had their homes on the market for some time and are now contemplating some home staging. Remember the article we published about a buyer’s market.
- Homeowners that are finally coming around to the idea of selling their home and want it to look fantastic, sell fast and for a good price too. Remember to read our article about why you should use a partner like Keller Williams to sell your home..
- And then there were folk just like me who just need a little inspiration and motivation to get going. Spring is in the air and it’s time for a fresh look on a shoestring.
On the menu for today
Today we cover the most important thing you can do to sell your home in Randburg or make it look fantastic, in the most important room in your home. That’s right, decluttering your kitchen.
It’s all in the numbers when you sell your home
Statistics show that if you are selling your home, then your first consideration should be to declutter. Period. Without a doubt, decluttering is by far the most useful way of creating a more inviting home. The success rate is unbelievable at 95%! This means that if you only do one thing before you sell, you should declutter your home.
And again, statistics, depending on what stats you read shows that the kitchen is either the most important or the 2nd most important room in your home. Therefore, either way, the kitchen is important. So, focus your decluttering efforts on your kitchen. Because 84% of US buyers indicated that the kitchen was the biggest consideration when buying a home.
Whether you are selling your home or whether you just know it’s time to get going on a good clean up, decluttering can leave you feeling like you really have achieved something great. It’s quite cathartic. It’s an even better feeling to bless someone that needs your old stuff that you no longer need.
Where to start when you want to sell your home & improve your kitchen
If you feel overwhelmed with all the stuff you have to declutter, here are some tips to get you started:
- Start with one room at a time and because your kitchen is the heart of your home that’s where I started.
- If you do decide to tackle your kitchen first, break the project into smaller bits.
- I started with my kitchen drawers which really needed attention.
- Once I was done with the drawers I moved onto our pantry or grocery cupboards.
- I gave myself 2 weeks to finish my 1st project and with a small child of 5, I got distracted quite a bit which was a good call in hindsight.
- 2 weeks is what I took to go through my kitchen from top to toe and give it the decluttering it needed.
Tips to giving your kitchen a make-over
Ok, then the bit we are all waiting for, some affordable tips to staging your kitchen:
- Clean your kitchen. And with clean we mean clean and scrub. Your kitchen should not just shine, it should sparkle.
- Declutter. The rule is that if you have not used it in a year or more, get rid of it. Give it away. If it has passed its sell-by date toss it. Un-junk the junk drawer(s). Your kitchen counters should have nothing on them except for a few decorative canisters and no more than one or two appliances max. A de-cluttered kitchen will look bigger and more inviting.
- Does your kitchen smell great? Bake some cookies to make sure the smell permeates through your kitchen and your home. You don’t want last night’s chicken Korma lingering for days. Put a small capful of vanilla essence into a warm oven and let the warm smell permeate throughout your kitchen.
- Organise your kitchen. Line up your coffee mugs with handles pointing the same way. Alphabetise the spices. Stack your plates neatly and remove random plates that don’t match.
- Make your kitchen inviting. Only keep a few decorative canisters and basic cooking or banking utensils visible. You could keep a nice coffeepot or a nice mixer out, but nothing more. Include a nice healthy looking pot plant or a nice vase of fresh flowers looks great and smells good too. Also, a bowl of fresh fruit will do wonders to add the colour you need without breaking the bank.
- Add some colour. Hang a brand new set of bright tea towels to add some bright colour. Pop a cookbook under a big glass jug or vase and it with lemons or other brightly coloured fruit.
This is not my kitchen below. I never even thought to take photos, but this gives you a good idea of the before and after, using the tips we provided above. If you are in the home staging business and need an opportunity to advertise, please feel free to comment.
If you are selling in a buyer’s market also consider
- Meet with and work with a prominent estate agent from Keller Williams. We call it betting on Red.
- Don’t settle for the highest valuation it’s the oldest trick in the book, just to get your mandate.
- Consider the market carefully, especially with regards to the mandate. Remember we will always recommend a sole mandate because we believe in having agents invested in the sale of a property.
- Also when you work with a prominent estate agent, the commission if you award a sole mandate could be lower. It’s something to consider.
- Be diligent about setting the right asking price. It is imperative that you follow the advice of your agent to set the right asking price. In a buyer’s market, no matter how fabulously you stage your home if the asking price is wrong your home will not sell.
- A property valuation is also always free. Get an accurate property valuation. Schedule for a time that’s most convenient.
Estate Agents – want to know more about KW?
Keller Williams (USA) is a top real estate brand to work for. If you are an estate agent and want to know a little more drop me an e-mail. If you would like to leverage world-class technology to the benefit of all our stakeholders across the value chain and end up with a win-win every time, then let’s touch base. Also, read what makes Keller Williams the best!
Get in touch
So, if you need a valuation done on a property anywhere in Randburg or elsewhere in Jhb, we can help. Give us a call on telephone number (064) 549-3123. Alternatively, drop us an e-mail at kwselect@kwsa.co.za. We have a vast network of almost 1,500 top Keller Williams agents at our fingertips who are all just dying for the opportunity to partner with you to sell and conclude your property transaction in record time.
If you want to view all the Keller Williams properties across the country, click on our website to start the search for your dream home. Need help getting a pre-approved homeloan, it’s free and our strategic partners will find you the best rate over 20 years! And finally, if you are thinking of putting your property on the market and need a free property valuation, click here!
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