Let’s talk Buying

There will most likely be a number of conditions that need to be satisfied for your purchase to go through, such as conducting pest and building inspections, obtaining finance, and paying the final deposit.

There are due dates stipulated on the contract for when these items must be completed. It is very important that you contact us if you are having any difficulty meeting any of the deadlines. We will do our best to help you with any problems that may arise.

It is a good idea to choose a solicitor or conveyancer before you even sign a contract. You can shop around for a good price, and they will be able to read over the contract before you sign it if you are unsure of anything.

You should then contact your solicitor as soon as possible after you have signed the contract so that they can confirm your instructions for them to act on your behalf. They will also discuss with you the deadlines that are associated with your purchase.

You are entitled to 3 inspections between signing the contract and settlement. Firstly, for a Building and Pest inspection to be carried out. Secondly, for the valuation to be carried out which will assist you in obtaining finance for the purchase. Finally, you may also wish to conduct a pre-settlement inspection which is to confirm that the property is in the same condition as when it was purchased.

Once you have satisfied all the conditions of the contract, the sale is deemed to be ‘unconditional’ and confirmed, awaiting settlement. Your solicitor will then finalise any relevant paperwork for the settlement to take place.

Fox’s Real Estate will always issue a trust account receipt for all deposit monies paid to us. These monies must by law be banked into an official trust account. Trust Accounts do not earn any interest.

The deposit money paid goes towards the purchase price of the property you have bought. On settlement, we forward the deposit to the Seller, less any commission due to us.

Legally you are entitled to keys to the property straight after settlement. In most instances, our office will hold a key or set of keys to the property during the marketing period and will retain these during the contract period so that we may organise inspections as required. As soon as the solicitors notify us that the settlement has gone through, we can release the keys directly to you.

If you are moving into your new property, we suggest moving in no earlier than the day after settlement if possible. This is to save yourself any unnecessary stress or expense in case settlement is delayed by a couple of hours. It can become a costly inconvenience if you are paying for a removalist by the hour.

• Start packing!

• Scout around for some sturdy cardboard boxes. Try and get a variety of sizes. A lot of smaller boxes will mean lighter boxes once you’ve filled them.

• Get together tape and marking pens to seal and label the contents of your boxes.

• Set a firm date for moving.

• Select a furniture removal service or rental truck which best meets your needs. If you are moving locally, we recommend Mini Movers. Call them on 1300 366 000 or go to www.minimovers.com.au for further information.

• Check your larger appliances and items of furniture will fit in your new home.

• Have a thorough clean-out (you might want to organise a garage sale).

• Start to use the frozen and canned foods you've been storing.

• Keep a list of incoming mail so that you can start notifying businesses, colleagues and suppliers of your intended change of address.

• Keep packing!

• Make sure appropriate insurance is in place for the move itself and for your new home from the moment you buy it.

• List essential things you'll need on moving day (like the keys to your new home)!

• Contact the utilities you'll require at your new residence. The following numbers may assist you:

  • Energex: 13 12 53

  • Telstra: 13 22 00

  • Elgas: 13 11 61

• Complete your Australia Post Mail Redirection Service application to redirect your mail to your new address. (Print application on-line at www.auspost.com.au or visit an Australia Post retail outlet).

• Hopefully you've packed just about everything!

• Cancel local arrangements such as lawn mowing service, newspaper delivery etc.

• Collect anything outstanding, such as lay-bys, dry-cleaning, shoe repairs etc.

• Return things like library books, videos etc.

• Have a final clean-out to get rid of out-of-date cleaning products and inflammables from under the kitchen sink and in the garage.

• Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer.

• You should be just about organised by now.

• Most importantly, make sure you carry valuables, personal effects and important papers with you, so they don't go astray.

• Check that nothing has been left behind.

• Before you leave your old residence, make sure it's securely locked and the gas meter and electricity switchboard are turned off.

Plan ahead to set aside the things you will need on the first night in your new home. Set aside a box and include critical things you know you will need within the first 24 hours of your move - and mark it clearly. There's nothing more frustrating than sorting through boxes in the middle of the night to find what you need.

If possible, pre-cook a meal which can simply be heated up. Something hearty like a homemade stew will replenish you after a long day of lugging boxes.

Alternatively, pick up some quality take-away food so you don't need to worry about plates and cutlery. Better still - explore outlets which deliver to your door for free or for minimal cost. You'll appreciate not having to head out in your grubby work clothes.

Make sure you've set aside all the cooking and eating items you'll need for the next couple of days. It will be easier to use plastic cups, plates, utensils and paper towels than items you have to wash afterwards.

Ensure the essential electrical appliances are packed where you can reach them easily - the microwave oven to quickly heat up your pre-cooked meal, electric jug for your tea and coffee and toaster for that morning piece of toast and vegemite.

Pack a small tool kit for re-assembling items that couldn't be moved whole.

For each person in the household, pack a change of clothes, towel, toothbrush, shampoo, hairbrush, and other personal items.

Pack a medical bag including any prescription drugs, pain killers (for that stress headache), Deep Heat, band-aids and bandages.

Cheque book, wallet, flashlight, mobile telephones and power pack, toilet paper, tissues, matches, garbage bags, light bulbs, detergent and other cleaning items.