Conveyancing Property in Melbourne

Posted on May 24, 2013 by admin

Once you have found the perfect home, either on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, it is time to take the plunge and commit to buying the property. Before you make a purchase agreement you will compare the market data of recently sold properties and have an inspection of the home done to find any potential hidden problems. Once you are satisfied and have reached an accepted sales price with the seller, it is time to turn things over to the process of conveyance!

The term Conveyancing means to transfer property. In other words, this could mean the buying and selling of land. In Melbourne, lawyers or licensed conveyancers will typically handle these transactions as there is a good deal of detailed legal work to be done in preparing for the transfer of property. A majority of the work is done to ensure that the buyer is obtaining good and marketable title to the land.

Good and Marketable Title

The term “good and marketable title” means that it has been confirmed that the seller does, in fact, own the property and is able to sell it. It ensures that there are no unknown liens or encumbrances on the title that would prevent the buyer from purchasing it, using it, or selling it later.

Conveyancing Unique to Australia

In Australia, much of the land, first colonized by the United Kingdom, is Common Law. The Torrens Title Act of 1858 makes the land transferable by conveyance. The whole process can take about 4-6 weeks and is very extensive.

What to Expect

The majority of the 4-6 weeks is spent on various searches, gathering information to ensure the good and marketable title. The solicitor or license conveyancer will conduct title searches and look for encumbrances on the properties. Then there is the preparation of legal documents and making sure all the bills and sums are paid to the correct people. While time consuming and complex, the experts are experienced and able to navigate the process with great confidence.

Wrapping Things Up

After all the work is completed to secure the title and write up the contracts then the Vendor and the Buyers Representative will sit down together at a table and finalize the deal by signing paperwork and passing checks. It is not customary practice in Australia for the buyer to be present but it isn’t forbidden either. The buyer is free to attend if they wish to. If there is a home on the land the keys will also be exchanged at this time and possession can take place once the deal is funded.

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How to Find a Perfect New Home via the Internet

Posted on May 24, 2013 by admin

Thanks to the internet, finding the perfect home is a task that can now be done whilst relaxing on the couch and enjoying a good ol’ cup of tea. From couples who are searching for a snug studio apartment to families looking to upgrade to a bigger home, anyone and everyone can find that dream property online.

With a range of online estate agent websites ready to help, those looking for their ideal home will find it no time at all. Here are some tips on how to find that perfect property via the internet.

Restrict Searches

Over an estimated 80% of people search online for a home, making it an immensely popular route to pick when looking for properties. And it is no surprise why; online estate agents aim to make the process of finding that one-and-only house as easy as can be and boast websites that are quick, easy and efficient to use. Whilst high street estate agents usually provide a long list of houses for their clients to examine, online websites can easily restrict searches using filters. Subsequently this means buyers can find homes which adhere to the exact requirements they have asked for without having to look through endless unsuitable choices. From selecting how many bedrooms are needed, to deciding upon the figures they are able to spend, families can have complete control in finding their future home.

An example of an online property search tool

Those hoping to buy in a specific area can use online estate agent websites to discover just what is available. With most sites providing the option to search by postcode or by map, finding a house in a particular location is easier than ever. Instead of hunting for houses by car or on foot and having to peer into every high street estate agent’s window, buyers can explore what’s on offer right from the comfort of their home. Quick and simple, those looking for a new property can easily restrict their search online, and save petrol and energy at the same time!

There will be a lot of property to look through for both rental and purchase

Save whilst Searching

Online estate agent websites enable buyers to maintain order. Whilst searching for that special home, most sites allow buyers to save potential properties into their short-list. Instead of storing dozens of photos and notes, buyers can simply see all their choices on the same page. With contact details for estate agents provided on websites, those looking for a house can e-mail or ring in to ask any questions they may have concerning their possible properties.

Compare and Contrast

Using online estate agent websites to find a home allows buyers to freely compare and contrast. With no need to jump straight into a buy, those looking for a house can take as much or little time to complete the process as they desire. With no added pressure from sellers, finding a property will be hassle-free, making it exciting and fun instead of tiring and overwhelming. Families can look at properties from a range of online agents, comparing costs and standards, before they decide to purchase.

Conclusion

Finding a home via the internet is easily achievable through seeking help from estate agent websites, e.g. http://www.harrycharles.co.uk/. From restricting searches to comparing and contrasting houses, finding that once-in-a-lifetime home can be done online. A time-saving and efficient way to find a new property, surfing the net is bound to be stress free.

Image Credits: Daniela Meleo and trulia visuals

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Get Your New Home At The Best Price

Posted on May 13, 2013 by admin

There is no doubt that trying to buy a new home can involve a mix of excitement and nerves. You are anxious to get the house of your dreams but yet you are acutely aware that any errors you make could have long-term costly consequences.

You will of course need to have a survey one on any property that you are interested in. There are several different types of survey available, varying considerably in the amount of information they provide. They also vary considerably in price. Your solicitor or mortgage broker will advise you on the most suitable type for your needs.

Once you have your survey you will be in a better position to decide how much you are willing to offer for the property. Try to formulate a budget and stick to it. There is no point going out on a limb and offering more for a home than you can really afford. You will just end up regretting things further down the line. If, for example, you go beyond your budget and are unable to come up with the necessary funds to complete the transaction, you could find yourself in breach of contract with costly and damaging consequences.

 When we buy houses it is always a good idea to try to negotiate from a fair and reasonable point of view. It is all very well to want to get the best deal possible, but trying to be too aggressive could simply alienate the seller and mean that you miss out. It may also be a good idea to take a step back from any negotiations and let your solicitor or agent deal with this for you. That way there is less of a risk of any conflict between seller and buyer directly.

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Pattaya Property

Posted on April 29, 2013 by admin

Just wandering the streets of Pattaya you will see signs and posters everywhere listing property for sale or rent. The choice of properties available here really is mind boggling! The Pattaya property market is booming at the moment, and wherever you look on the skyline there are new developments going up. If you are looking for property in Pattaya then you really are spoilt for choice. So, your only real problem is which type of property to choose, and in which location. Before committing to any property you should really spend some time researching, and deciding what it is that you want. For example, do you want a house or a condominium? Do you want to be close to the beach? Are public transport routes important to you, or will you be purchasing or renting your own transport? Which area of Pattaya do you want to live in? This last point is quite interesting, so let’s take a look at some of the specific areas of Pattaya and what type of property you can expect.

Starting in the north you have:

Naklua – Historically this is where a lot of German expats have based themselves, there are restaurants, bars, and a traditional weekend market during the high season which is well worth a visit whether you live here or not. You also have Wongamat beach close by. In more recent times, as in many other parts of the city, the Russians have been buying or renting property in Pattaya. Although there are condominium complexes by the beach Naklua consists mainly of houses and apartments that are available for sale or rent.

Central Pattaya – This area is mainly condominiums and apartments, and due to its proximity to the beach and nightlife you will generally get a younger set of residents. Central Pattaya is popular with Europeans.

Pratumnak Hill – This area offers some fine views and fresher air. It also has some beautiful, large houses and villas. It is quite popular with Scandinavians, and prices on average are higher here than elsewhere.

Moving across Sukhumvit road you will come to:

East Pattaya – This is popular with retired British and German expats in particular. There are no condominium complexes here but there are lots of gated community ‘villages’ which are well kept, secure and offer such things as communal swimming pools. Prices in this area are lower than the rest of Pattaya and you really can get good value for money.

The above is only a small selection of areas available in Pattaya, and as mentioned at the beginning of this article, the choice of property really is huge, so it is not a question of what is available it is a question of what do you want!

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Things To Consider When Choosing An Estate Agent

Posted on April 14, 2013 by admin

The first rule when looking to hire an estate agent is simple: Don’t Settle for the First Realtor You Meet.

OK, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, but, buying a house is a huge commitment. For many people it’s one of the biggest financial commitments they’ll ever make. Because a home such a big purchase, you’ll want to make sure that you choose an agent who really “gets” your housing needs. Someone who understands, and respects your budget, and will help you find the type of home you need and the type of amenities you want. Unfortunately, that means that you may need to search around a little bit. I suggest meeting with a few agents to see who makes you the most comfortable. Think of it as an interview process. You wouldn’t hire the first nanny you meet or marry the first man who asks you on a date, right? Make sure it’s a good match before you make a “commitment”. Ask friends and family for recommendations and don’t settle for the first estate agent you meet.

Choose a buyer’s Agent: When choosing a real estate agent, it’s important you pick one who’s acting solely on your behalf. Often first time buyers meet their buyer’s agent at an open house. That’s no big deal as long as you don’t want to make an offer on the place you’re looking at. It’s important that your agent is representing you and you only. If he’s also working with the sellers, as a seller’s agent, his main objective is to get them the best price, not to help you snag a great deal. I think about it sort of like insider trading, if you’re the agent and you’re representing the buyers and the sellers you know each party’s hand. Obviously since real estate is a commission based industry, it makes sense that a real estate agent will want to support the seller’s best interest (getting the highest sale price), because a higher selling price means more commission for the agent.

Choose an agent who’s a local expert: There are a lot of things to think about when buying a home, taxes, square footage, location, schools and more. Once you purchase a home you can’t change the schools in the district, the taxes you’ll pay or the noisy bar next door. If you’re moving to a new town this is particularly important, because you don’t know the types of problems to look for. Our agent was particularly helpful when we were looking at properties, because she could tell use the “inside scoop” about why some homes that looked like a “great deal” on paper were a nightmare that nobody had bought. An adorable little basement apartment with newly updated appliances and a backyard for a pinch, “Why hasn’t someone snapped that up?” Well, because every time there’s a good rain, the apartment floods. If we hadn’t had our agent we might have put in a bid on that place and been really disappointed.

Find a specialist: When choosing an agent, be sure to ask him why types of property he specializes in. If he only sells single family homes in the suburbs, he may not have extensive knowledge about condos in the city. Likewise, if she sells million pound homes, she may not be very excited about showing you starter homes. With so many legal and financial things to think about, it’s usually best to stick with a real estate agent who specializes in one or two types of properties. If you’re looking for a mutli-family home, you want to know that your real estate agent knows the types of legal and financial issues that buyers face when putting in an offer on a multi-family home, right? Sure your PCP is a doctor, but wouldn’t you rather have a heart surgeon do an open heart surgery? OK, that’s a little dramatic, but you get my point.

Choose an agent who’s “known”: High performers are high performers for a reason. They have a good track record and good reputation. Choosing an agent who’s a known performer means that he or she has a reputation to uphold and protect. If he is pushy and does shady deals, word will get out and he’ll lose business. When you’re spending hundreds of thousands of dollars attached and making a 15-30 year commitment, you want to make sure that you’re dealing with someone who’s honest and knowledgeable. If it doubt, ask a few close friends who they’ve worked with.

There’s no shame in “Backing Out”: If the person you choose doesn’t work out for you, kindly tell her so and run for the door. Seriously, there’s no shame in finding a new agent if the one you initially chose isn’t meeting your needs. If she doesn’t return your calls promptly or pressures you to commit to a sale you’re not ready for, drop her! The worst thing you could do is to lock yourself into a 30-year commitment because you couldn’t say, “No” to your pushy estate agent.

If you’re a first time home buyer, the thought of spending so much money on one purchase probably makes you feel a little sick to your stomach (it does us!). But with the right realtor, the whole process can feel much more comfortable (now I only feel slightly nauseous, wink).

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