BOUGHT A HOME? THINGS TO DO LEADING UP TO SETTLEMENT AND MOVING IN.
Putting your signature on a contract is an exciting time and the start of a very structured process that leads up to settlement day. From the time of signing a contract to finance approval things seem to take forever. Then once finance is approved and/or the contract becomes unconditional your ‘to do’ list will explode with a range of tasks needing to be finalised before settlement can occur.
In today’s blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans explores some of the key tasks needing completion before settlement day. Whilst this list is not exhaustive it provides a range of issues to consider.
- Contact your conveyancing lawyer to confirm all contract conditions have been met and the purchase can proceed towards settlement. If not, the lawyer will advise on options to resolve any issues.
- Prior to the contract becoming unconditional you should have received any building and pest inspection reports and addressed any matters of concern with your lawyer and sales agent.
- If you’re a first home buyer and applied for the First Home Owners Grant (Qld) – liaise with the lawyer, broker or bank to ensure the grant funds have been approved AND will be available on settlement day.
- After the finance has been approved and the contract conditions have been met, the solicitors (buyer and seller) will communicate to arrange settlement. Settlement will occur on the date specified in the contract but may change (if needed) upon agreement between the parties.
- Make sure all deposit funds are available for settlement. Your lawyer will usually ask for the funds a few days before settlement to ensure there are no delays.
- You’ll need to arrange a number of services in preparation for moving in, so here’s a sample -
- If you’re renting, ensure you’ve given proper notice to the rental agency and negotiate early termination of the lease/s if applicable;
- Contact the electricity/gas supplier to arrange connection from settlement day;
- Ensure you have appropriate home and contents insurance in place. It’s recommended taking out home insurance at the time of signing the contract, so talk to your lawyer about it;
- Arrange a pre-settlement inspection with the agent and advise your lawyer urgently if you identify any problems. Examples include items removed from the home that are considered fixtures or listed in the contract. New/recent damage to the property etc;
- Organise and book the removalists if required;
- You may want the carpets professionally cleaned before you move in and/or have a ‘bond’ style clean of the whole house. That needs to be arranged before settlement so you aren’t waiting too many days to move in;
- It’s often difficult to undertake repairs/maintenance/renovations with a house full of furniture. If you are planning on some carpentry, electrical or other work, it may be prudent to delay moving in until the work is completed to minimise disruptions.
- On settlement day the funds are paid to the seller and the title (ownership) is transferred to the new owners. You can now contact the agent to collect the keys.
This blog is intended to give you a broad idea of the many things to consider before settlement day arrives. Most real estate agents provide their clients with excellent ‘to do’ lists and we recommend getting hold of that information.
Our sales team led by Lachlan Evans are focused on tailoring real estate solutions to meet your needs and keep the experience as stress free as possible.
McAdam & Turnbull Realty are your local real estate professionals and property management specialists in Toowoomba and nearby surrounds. You can follow our Principal and agent Lachlan Evans at www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-evans-621bb583 or view our current rental and sale listings at http://www.mcadamturnbull.com.au and LIKE us on Facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/McAdamandTurnbullRealty/
This publication covers real estate, property market, finance and legal related issues in a general way. It is intended for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as professional finance or legal advice. McAdam & Turnbull Realty recommends that professional legal and/or finance advice should be obtained before taking any action on the basis of the general information presented in this publication.
Written and Published by www.presentprofessionally.com.au