One of Afrotainment’s biggest
female stars, Tipcee recently bought her first home and she couldn’t be happier,
but she warns that the process is not for the faint-hearted. We caught up with
her to find out what advice she has for people who want to buy their first
homes too.
Speaking to Move!, the Kwa-Zulu Natal born star said the finalization of the purchase happened this week, and even though she was and still is, very happy and excited, her mother, Mpho Ndaba, is even more excited than she is.
“I didn’t tell her or anyone else because I wanted it to be a surprise to everyone – even my boss, DJ Tira had no idea I was planning to buy a house,” she says.
She can certainly keep secrets because she says the entire process of handing over the house to her took almost three months, “the process is very long and can be very daunting, it’s not for the faint-hearted. There are any things that have to happen, documents to be signed and stuff like that before actually having the house in your name and getting the keys.”
But when she did eventually get the keys, Tipcee says she jumped up and down, rejoicing. “I knew that was buying a house, obviously, but I couldn’t believe that I actually did it – I was so proud of myself. I called my mom, she was my first guest, and when she came to see the house, she cried – so proud of me,” Tipcee recalls.
So, what tips can she give first time buyers?
“Look on credible websites first, then call the agent and arrange to view the house. Even after seeing it, make sure you love it, all of it. Picture yourself living in it – double check, yeyi, even triple check if you have to, because you don’t want to go through so much admin for something you’ll change your mind about quickly.”
“Another thing is that people should get into the habit of saving and investing, so that when you do buy that house, you are able to maintain it and make it the home you want it to be. I haven’t moved into my home yet because I’m still thinking about how I want to furnish it, what vibe I want it to have – and that’s very important. That’s why you shouldn’t rush into it, have a clear head,” she continues.
One thing people should not do when considering making such a big purchase?
“Don’t ever doubt the process,” she laughs, “I’m telling, buying a house is not like buying clothes, where you just swipe and walk out with your stuff. Understand what you’re going into and prepare for it.”
There’s one more big move the Sukuma hitmaker is planning to make this year.
“I actually want to open a restaurant in Umlazi, where I’m from. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now, so I really want to do that before the year ends.”
