GETTING STARTED FAQ:

1. Should I get pre-approval first?

Yes. Pre-approval puts you in a stronger position when making an offer and shows sellers you’re serious. It also ensures you can act quickly when the right property comes up.

2. How do I find the right property?

We take the time to understand your needs, lifestyle, and future plans. From there, we help you identify suitable properties and keep you informed of new opportunities as they come to market.

3. How do I make an offer?

Once you’ve found the right property, we’ll guide you through the process—helping you determine a suitable price, structure your offer, and negotiate effectively.

4. What happens once my offer is accepted?

After your offer is accepted, you’ll move into the contract stage. This includes signing the agreement, paying a deposit, and completing any conditions such as finance approval or inspections before settlement.

5. What costs are involved when buying?

In addition to the purchase price, you should allow for stamp duty, conveyancing or legal fees, building and pest inspections, and loan-related costs.

6. How long does the process take?

Timeframes can vary, but most settlements occur within 30 to 60 days. We’ll guide you through each step to keep everything on track.

7. Can you help first home buyers?

Yes. We regularly work with first home buyers and can guide you through the entire process, including available grants and what to expect at each stage.

8. How long will it take from offer acceptance until I get keys?

It’s typically 60 days but it can vary depending on what was agreed and whether the offer is subject to finance or cash.

9. What does it mean to buy a property with a tenant in place?

• If the tenants lease is a fixed term, depending on the expiry of their lease-the tenant may remain in the home after settlement and you would need to provide notice for them to vacate should you wish.
• If the lease is periodic, there may be options to provide notice for the tenant to vacate depending on your intention for the home

OFFER STAGE FAQ

1. What happens once I make an offer?

Once you submit an offer, will present it to the seller and communicate your price, conditions, and preferred settlement terms.

You’ll be kept informed at every stage, including whether your offer has been accepted, rejected, or countered including negotiation feedback so you can make informed decisions.

If there are multiple offers we may run a best-and-final offer process or structured negotiation rounds and advise each buyer the total number of offers received. This ensures fairness while giving all buyers a clear opportunity to put forward their strongest offer.

2. Am I locked in once I make an offer?

No. An offer is not binding until both parties sign a contract of sale. You are free to adjust or withdraw your offer before it is formally accepted and executed.

3. What happens if I’m buying subject to selling my property?

If your offer is subject to the sale of your own home, the seller may continue to market the property. In some cases, a “2 Business Day Clause” may apply, meaning you’ll need to confirm your position if another stronger offer is received.

4. How long do I have to respond after my offer is countered?

There’s no strict legal timeframe, but responses are usually expected within 24 hours to avoid losing momentum or the property to another buyer.

5. Do I need to pay a deposit when my offer is accepted?

Yes. Once your offer is accepted and the contract is signed, you’ll usually pay a deposit within 4 business days (to be held in trust). This forms part of the purchase price and is credited toward settlement.

FINANCE/UNCONDITIONAL STAGE

1. What happens if my finance is declined?

If your finance condition cannot be met despite genuine efforts, you may be able to terminate the contract under the finance clause. In most cases, your deposit will be refunded in full.

2. Can I ask for more time for finance approval?

Yes. Extensions are very common. Your broker or bank will usually request an extension and we then contact the seller, who can either agree, negotiate conditions, or decline depending on circumstances.

3. What does “unconditional” mean?

“Unconditional” means all contract conditions have been satisfied, such as finance approval, inspections, and any special conditions, making the agreement legally binding for both buyer and seller.

4. Can I still pull out after going unconditional?

Not without serious consequences. Once a contract is unconditional, withdrawing may result in loss of deposit and potential legal implications unless both parties mutually agree to terminate.

5. What should I do once my contract is unconditional?

At this stage, you should start preparing for settlement by:

• Organising removalists
• Booking your move
• Setting up mail redirection
• Scheduling utility connections/disconnections

6. What happens on settlement day?

• Funds are transferred to the seller
• Ownership is officially transferred to you and the property title is registered in your name
• Keys are handed over if vacant or if owner occupied by 12pm the following day.

7. When do I receive the keys and move in?

If the property is vacant, keys are typically released once settlement is complete. If otherwise negotiated (e.g. rent-back or tenant in place), access will depend on the agreed terms in the contract. If the home is owner occupied the seller will have until 12pm the following day after settlement to provide keys.

8. What condition should the property be in at settlement?

The property should be in the same condition as when the contract was signed. In WA, there is no strict requirement for professional cleaning unless specifically agreed in the contract.

9. What is a final inspection?

A final inspection is carried out shortly before settlement to ensure the property is in the agreed condition and that gas, plumbing and electrical are working as expected, unless specified in the contract to be excluded.

10. What happens if something is wrong at final inspection?

If issues are identified, settlement may be delayed until they are resolved, or compensation may be negotiated depending on the severity of the issue.

11. What costs do I need to pay at settlement?

Typical buyer settlement costs include:

• Stamp duty
• Conveyancing/legal fees
• Loan establishment fees (if applicable)
• Adjustment of council and water rates