Buying off-the-plan risk #3: what’s it really worth?

By Hazel Hodgkins on 2 March 2016 in Buying

Buying off-the-plan certainly has appeal! There is no denying that there are attractive pro’s, but in an uncertain market, can you really be sure that the property you sign up for will be worth as much at completion? Whilst a glossy brochure may state that an off-the-plan investment property is worth $500,000, it’s your bank’s opinion that really counts, […]

What does a settlement agent do? [Part 1 – We’re not your bank]

By Michael Hodgkins on 4 March 2015 in Buying, Selling

This is the first of a series of articles analysing the role of the settlement agent* and how that role relates to, and interacts with, other service-industry professionals.  In Part 1 we look at banks^. Stating the (not so) obvious You wouldn’t ask your beautician to do your dry cleaning, nor would you ask your […]

E-conveyancing to cut settlement costs and save time (we hope!)

By admin on 27 February 2015 in Buying, Selling

The Electronic Conveyancing Act 2014 (WA) has now taken effect, paving the way for digital lodgement of documents in Western Australia. Under the new legislation, settlement agents, lawyers and lenders who are subscribers to the Property Exchange Australia e-conveyancing platform (PEXA) can lodge documents and complete settlements electronically instead of using paper. National roll-out The multi-million […]

Bank authority an important first step for sellers

By Lucy Dickens on 21 January 2015 in Selling

You’ve sold your home. The ink on the contract is dry. Congratulations! What’s next? Appoint Flat Rate Settlements, as your settlement representative of course! And then? Once the buyer’s finance is approved you should contact any bank or financier with a secured loan over the property and advise them you have sold your property. Discharge […]

Do I need a settlement representative?

By Lucy Dickens on 29 October 2014 in Buying, Selling

You’ve signed a contract to buy or sell a house and the real estate agent asks you to appoint a settlement representative. What is a settlement representative? Read our blog post to find out. What do they do? A settlement representative arranges to transfer the legal ownership of the property from the seller to the […]