Don’t miss these 5 things at your pre-settlement inspection
Congratulations. You’ve been through a lot to get to this point. Now, settlement is right around the corner. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to kick back, relax, and soak up that blissful new homeowner feeling.
But before the party starts, there’s one more hurdle to overcome: the pre-settlement inspection. In the weeks prior to settlement, you are given an opportunity to visit and inspect the property one more time. Your goal is to check the property’s condition and identify any issues.
If you happen to catch a problem, it will likely be the seller’s responsibility to fix it. That’s why it’s essential to show up, pay attention to the details, and be meticulous. You’ve spent a lot on this property – this is your chance to make sure there are no nasty surprises post-settlement.
So, what should you be looking for in your pre-settlement inspection? Here’s our advice.
5 things to check at your pre-settlement inspection
1. Repairs
Unless you’re buying a brand-new home, there are likely a few things that require repair. During the contract negotiation process, you and the seller will outline the repairs (if any) that the seller must complete before settlement. That might be a missing door handle, a cracked window, or a leaky tap. At your pre-settlement inspection, check that the seller has followed through on their repair promises.
Bonus tip: We recommend scheduling your pre-settlement inspection as close to your settlement date as possible. That way, all contractual repairs should be done, giving you peace of mind.
2. Inclusions
Inclusions are the things that come with the property sale. Typical inclusions are fixtures like an oven, smoke alarms, lights, air conditioners, and pool and spa filters. Sometimes, window coverings like curtains and blinds are included, too. Bring your sales contract along with you and check that all inclusions are safely installed in the property.
3. Exclusions
Exclusions are the things that aren’t included in the sale of the property. The vendor is responsible for removing these items from the home before your settlement date. It’s a good idea to check whether these have been removed or not, and if not, flag this with the seller.
4. Damage
Life happens, and sometimes, properties under contract become damaged before settlement. When the seller was moving out, they may have dented the walls. Or perhaps there was a violent storm, which caused a pipe to burst while no one was living there. If you fail to identify this damage during your pre-settlement inspection, it will be your responsibility to repair it post-settlement.
5. Trash
On some rare occasions, sellers leave behind all manner of trash when they move, whether that’s leftover repair supplies, packing rubbish, or simply junk in the garden they don’t want to deal with. Moving is stressful enough as it is without having to clean up after someone else. So, if you spot trash during your pre-settlement inspection, write it down and let the vendor know that you expect it to be gone.
Get the expert property conveyancing help you need
Buying a property is a huge milestone for first-time buyers and seasoned property investors alike. At Entry Conveyancing, our team is dedicated to making your experience as easy, simple, and stress-free as possible. We are experienced conveyancing solicitors serving property buyers Australia-wide, and we are ready to answer your questions and protect your best interest.
With our team in your corner, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the fruits of your labour. So kick-start the process now by requesting an obligation-free, fixed-fee quote.
