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BUYING TIPS
Pre-Contract

Before signing the contract you should obtain advice from a solicitor, as well as any other expert you require (ie. a financial adviser). This is because pre-contract is the best time for you and your solicitor to review the purchase, including:

  • Obtaining advice regarding the contract, and particularly any rights or liabilities you have under the contract.
  • Discussing and negotiating any special conditions you may require in the contract (ie. a condition for the seller to undertake work on the property prior to settlement).
  • Discussing and negotiating thcae aspects of the contract (ie. price, deposit, settlement date). 
  • Carrying out investigations, including searches, into the property to ensure that it is appropriate for your needs. This is also to ensure there are no issues with the property that could later bite you (ie. issues that may restrict the intended use, or impact on the value of the property).
Contract Signing/Exchange

If you have found the perfect property, are satisfied with your investigations, have obtained expert advice, and have negotiated a deal with conditions that you are happy with, then you can go ahead and sign the contract documents.

Contract Conditions

If the contract is subject to any conditions, you should attend to having them satisfied by the dates due for each condition. This can include ensuring your finance is approved and in order by any finance date in the contract. It can also include work to be done by the seller (ie. a condition for the seller to undertake work to the property by a set date).

Pre-Settlement

In the period leading up to settlement you and your solicitor should be preparing everything for the big day. This includes signing any bank loan documentation if you are borrowing, and ensuring the money will be available. Your solicitor will also ensure the transfer documentation is in order, that any other documentation for the transaction is ready (ie. lease documents), and that all parties have agreed upon arrangements for settlement (ie. time and place).

Settlement
If everything has progressed well, hopefully this will be as uneventful as possible. Essentially at settlement your solicitor (or your bank) will hand over the money to the seller in exchange for the transfer documents to the property. The documents may also include release of mortgage documents, and anything else required to ensure you obtain clear title to the property.
Post-Settlement

After settlement the property is yours to enjoy. Your solicitor or your bank will attend to registration of the transfer into your name shortly after settlement. Also they will attend to finalising any outstanding matters (ie. paying any rates to the local council, informing authorities that you are now the owner).

SELLING TIPS

Harcourts would like to share some simple presentation tips with you, which may help to present your property to its best advantage. It is often the little things that can make the biggest impact. For example, first impressions really do count because it is estimated that over 50% of properties are sold even before the prospective buyer steps through the front door ! These are just a few practical ways in which you can make an instant, positive impression, which will go a long way towards making a successful sale.

Outside Appeal
  • Remove bikes, tools and any clutter.
  • Keep lawns mowed, paths edged, hedges trimmed and gardens weeded
  • A few well positioned flowering potted plants can create a welcoming appearance.
  • Having the exterior washed and windows cleaned can make a enormous difference.
  • Paint or wash fences, gates, screens, steps and the front door.
  • Ensure your pets are secured so that they won’t pose a threat or annoy visitors.
  • Outside lighting is a must for evening inspections.
Positive First Impressions
  • Your front door and entranceway can be powerful first impression areas.
  • A newly decorated front door with attractive topiary shrubs either side can be effective.
  • Properties yet to be renovated can visually show buyers the potential of the property by decorating the walls, ceiling and floor of the front entrance.
  • Position an attractive plant or piece of art to add that final touch.
Appeal To The Senses
  • A general spring clean will freshen the look and the air.
  • Turn on sufficient lights when inspections are being held to compensate for any dark areas.
  • Use odour neutralisers to dispel with cigarette or animal smells. The delicious aroma of brewing coffee or freshly baked bread will convey the impression that you enjoy your property.
  • Bathrooms should be gleaming. Repair any broken tiles and reseal around the bath and basin if necessary. A dish of scented potpouri or soaps add a nice touch.
  • Place freshly cut flowers throughout your property.
  • Interesting knick-knacks, books or artwork in feature areas around the property can encourage visitors to linger.
  • Turn the radio or TV off, maybe in favour of a restful CD.
  • Make sure the temperature inside is comfortable – even light the fire in winter.
Create A Feeling Of Spaciousness
  • Ensure your kitchen is spotless, the working areas are uncluttered with tidy cupboards and pantry.
  • Make sure wardrobes are tidy – they’ll look large.
  • Mirrors in smaller rooms can convey the feeling of more space.
  • To enlarge room size appearance, perhaps store some furniture and ornaments.
RENTING TIPS
Applying for a property

When you find the right property, you will need to complete a Tenancy Application Form. You may need to provide copies of identification copies to the value of 100 points with your application. For example, a Driver Licence, ATM card, credit card and a bill addressed to you at your current address.

Bond

The rental bond is requested as financial protection should there be a breach in the tenancy agreement. Your rental bond will be lodged with the Residential Tenancy Bond Authority. The bond is held as security against any property damage, undue wear and tear or in the event there is money owing at the end of tenancy. Once it is established that all conditions of the tenancy have been met, the bond will be refunded promptly. The amount of bond payable is specified in the tenancy agreement. Please note, the bond required may increase where there is a rent increase.

Occupancy

Only the people (and the number of people) included on your tenancy agreement are permitted to reside at the property on a permanent basis. Should a tenant wish to move in or out you are required to notify us in writing immediately. Please note, a new tenant will need to be approved through the application process prior to moving in.

Paying the rent

It is your legal responsibility to pay your rent, to the Landlord in advance. Please ensure that your payments reach us on or before the due date. SydneyLinks Property Management will not physically collect your rent. Rent must be paid by the method stated on your tenancy agreement. If you have any problems with your rent payments please notify your Property Manager at the earliest possible time. If you fall into arrears, we will be obligated to follow the procedures outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act to collect the rent on behalf of the landlord.

Inspections – Pre inspection and Routine Inspections

A property condition report is used to determine the condition of the property at the commencement of your tenancy. It also ensures that you are not held responsible for damage at the expiry of your tenancy which may have been there prior to your occupation. You are required to make comment and additional notes, sign and return the document to our office. The document will be filed with your Tenancy Agreement and used as evidence of the property condition at the commencement of the tenancy.

Routine Inspections will be made at regular intervals. The primary role of these inspections is to advise the owner of the condition and care of their property and what, if any, maintenance is required. This is an opportunity for you to point out any maintenance required at the property. Photos may be taken by the Property Manager during the inspection.

Repairs and Maintenance

It is important when you notice a maintenance issue that you inform our office as soon as possible (in writing). This can be done using the maintenance request form and can be issued via email, fax or mail. Jobs requiring attention by tradespeople firstly require permission from the landlord.

Once the Landlord’s approval has been obtained, a work order is forwarded directly to the specific tradesperson, who will then be in direct contact with you to arrange a convenient time to address the approved maintenance. Please be aware that works carried out on the property by any person not approved under a work order from a SydneyLinks office may result in your liability to pay the account.

Emergency Repair

Listed within the ‘Welcome to Renting with SydneyLinks guide, you will find details of emergency contacts for emergency repairs. We ask that you always try to contact your Property Manager first, however if it is after hours and you cannot contact the Property Manager, you are permitted to contact the emergency contractors directly.

The legislation is specific about what constitutes an emergency repair and it’s important that you know that should the issue not be deemed an emergency, you will be responsible for the account. An emergency repair is something that is likely to cause injury, undue inconvenience, or which makes the property unsafe or insecure. (For eg. burst water service, broken toilet (where there is no other toilet), serious leak, serious electrical fault ).

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