Settlement Agents in Perth

In other words, they’re the people responsible for transferring a property from one owner to another – so every time you want to buy or sell a property, you’ll need a settlement agent.

A settlement agent’s office typically has multiple conveyancers who do the actual work of transferring a property. Conveyancers are professionals who understand how to properly:

If you’re buying a property, your conveyancer will:

• Ensure the property on the Offer and Acceptance is the correct property you intend to purchase,
• Make sure that you’re aware of any encumbrances which could affect your enjoyment of the property,
• Ensure you complete all conditions of the contract on time,
• Liaise with your lending institution to ensure finance progresses in a timely manner and your lender is in a position to settle on the due date,
• Ensure no outstanding orders have been placed on the property by government departments,
• Ensure your finances are all available for settlement date and ensure the seller’s agent collects the correct amount on behalf of the seller,
• Prepare the correct documentation and ensure you sign it,
• Ensure stamp duty (if applicable) is paid in the timeframes specified by State Revenue,
• Adjust shire & water rates and ensure they are all paid up to date at the time of settlement,
• Attend settlement on your behalf, and finally
• Ensure the property is transferred into your name after settlement.

If you’re selling a property, your conveyancer will:

• Ensure the property on the Offer and Acceptance is the correct property you intend to sell,
• Ensure you complete all conditions of the contract on time,
• Liaise with your lending institution to ensure they will be in a position to remove any mortgages over the property and ensure they’re ready to settle on time,
• Liaise with the buyer’s settlement agent to ensure their finances are in order and they’re ready to settle on time,
• Prepare the correct documentation and ensure you sign it,
• Adjust shire and water rates and ensure they are all paid up to date at the time of settlement,
• Collect the correct amount you are owed by the buyer and distribute as you instruct, and
• Attend settlement on your behalf.

• Age. Often, being older means an agency’s practices and attitudes towards property settlement have stood the test of time. An older settlement agent could well be better.
• Processes. The settlement process involves several key compulsory steps – but how those steps are handled varies. A settlement agent is only dependable if their processes – ie. when steps are done, how they keep track of their work, and who they communicate with – are effective and well thought out.
• Attitude. The attention and care a conveyancer puts into each property transaction – in other words, their attitude towards the settlement – is unavoidably going to impact on the successfulness of a settlement. The best settlement agents minimise mishaps by accepting each settlement as unique.