Properties For Sale
Property Inspection Schedule
Buyer's Agent
Property Buying Guide
Are you looking to buy a property? If so, take a look through our step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the process so you are equipped with the knowledge to make the right decisions. Buying a property is a significant financial decision with important legal considerations so we strongly recommend the use of a qualified solicitor or conveyancer before undertaking the purchase of any property.
Your Money
As a buyer you should talk to your financier or mortgage broker before you start property hunting to determine what you can afford to borrow, taking into account that interest rates may go up. It is a good idea to research the other costs associated with borrowing such as mortgage insurance, interest rates, loan establishment fees, other bank fees, legal fees, transfer fees, transfer (stamp) duty and insurance premiums. Oh and don’t forget to check if you are eligible for the $15,000 Great Start Grant!
Your Research
Take the time to research the suburb you are looking to purchase in to familiarise yourself with property prices, location, proximity to schools, parks, shopping centres, transport links, medical services, cafes, restaurants and other factors you consider important. The internet is a great place to start. We can also help kick start your research. Click here to request your free suburb statistics report. Simply enter the suburb you are interested in and we will email it to you.
Your Inspections
Use the inspections of a property to take into account various factors about the home. Taking notes on each property is a good idea if you are viewing multiple properties, as it will help you compare. Don’t be afraid to view a property as many times as you like and at different times of the day. If the property has a pool, check that the fencing complies with legislative requirements via the Pool Safety Council. It is always advisable to book a building and pest inspection by a licensed inspector to get a detailed report. When you are attending an open home, you will be asked to provide your contact details to the agent. The agent should seek further consent from you if you would like to be contacted at a later date when similar properties become available. If you do not want to be contacted after the inspection, you should clearly state this to the agent. At Your Move Property we take your privacy seriously. To see how we collect, store and use your information please view our Privacy Policy.
Your Offer
Once you have decided on a property, and before you submit an offer, it is important that you ask the agent for the terms of sale for the property and find out whether there are any special conditions. Ask the agent to clarify any inclusions or exclusions that form the terms of sale, such as fixtures and fittings. Fixtures refer to items in or around the property that cannot be independently removed without causing damage such as stoves, ovens, carpets, ceiling fans, clotheslines etc. Fittings are items that can be removed from a property such as washing machines, furniture etc. You may also want to consider getting an independent valuation by a professional Valuer. Please note that real estate agents are not qualified to perform independent valuations of property. Once you have decided on a price to offer, it is best to put this in writing as it shows the seller that you are serious and eliminates any discrepancies. An agent has an obligation to present all offers to the seller, provided it complies with their written instructions.
Your Legal Requirements
An agent will present you with a number of documents and will go through these with you:
- Seller’s Disclosure Statement (BCCM Section 206), if the property is a Lot in a Community Title Scheme;
- Contract of Sale; and
- Property Occupations Form 8 – Disclosure Statement to Buyer (if applicable).
Before signing anything, make sure you take the contract of sale and forms to your solicitor or conveyancer and discuss any queries you may have.
You are entitled to a 5 business day cooling-off period under a relevant contract, however you can waive or shorten the cooling-off period.
It is important that you ensure that any conditions forming part of the contract, including building and pest inspections and independent valuations (if required), are arranged with the timeframe set out in the contract.
Your New Home
Once a contract has become unconditional it is time to start packing. You should arrange a pre-settlement inspection with your agent to ensure everything is as per the contract conditions and inclusions and exclusions are as agreed. Only once the agent has received confirmation from the buyer and seller’s solicitors that settlement has occurred, can you receive the keys and start enjoying your new home! Should you require any assistance with your move, we can arrange connections to your new home for a wide range of services, from electricity and gas to Internet and pay TV. Just contact us and we will do the rest!
Disclaimer
This document has been prepared as a guide only and is subject to change at any time. This guide should not be considered professional advice or a substitute for professional advice. You should always consider seeking independent legal, accounting and financial advice nbefore entering into an agreement or arrangement in respect of real property. A failure to seek appropriate advice may result in unforeseen legal or financial consequences. The authors of this guide and their agents accept no liability whatsoever for any inaccuracies or errors contained in this guide, which the authors confirm has not been prepared to take into account any person’s financial circumstances, situation or objectives.
‘my move’ Communication Portal
The ‘my move’ communication portal was developed to provide buyers and sellers with absolute visibility through each stage of the property process. As a buyer you can sign in to ‘my move’ once your offer has been accepted. It will take you through each stage of the buying process and guide you through the forms and key dates to ensure a smooth settlement. Not only will you have the freedom to sign in at a time that is convenient to you, you will also have the option to receive email alerts advising of any updates.
Free Suburb Statistics Report
Would you like to know all the facts, from median sales prices to capital growth, about the suburb you are looking to buy in? Then click here and we will email you a free suburb statistics report. Just let us know the suburb you are interested in.
