tips-home – Able Conveyancing

Home Tips

Buying a home, especially your first, comes with a lot to learn. Here's what we recommend keeping in mind as you go through the process.

Get your finances sorted early

Speak with a lender or broker before you start inspecting properties seriously. Knowing your borrowing capacity and getting pre-approval gives you confidence to act quickly when you find the right place.
Understand the cooling-off period

In NSW, residential buyers generally have a five-business-day cooling-off period after exchange, unless the property was bought at auction. This time can be used to finalise finance and arrange inspections, but it's not unlimited, so use it wisely.
Don't skip building and pest inspections

A property can look perfect and still have hidden structural or pest issues. A professional inspection before you commit can save you from expensive surprises later.
Have your contract reviewed before signing

Never sign a contract of sale without having it reviewed first. A conveyancer can flag special conditions, unclear terms, or missing disclosures that could affect your purchase.
Budget for more than the purchase price

Stamp duty, legal fees, building reports, and moving costs all add up. Factor these into your budget early so there are no surprises closer to settlement.
Ask questions, even small ones

If something in the process doesn't make sense, ask. A good conveyancer would rather explain a step twice than have you proceed unsure of what you're agreeing to.

Get a free quote and let us guide you through the legal side of your purchase.

Selling a property involves more than finding the right buyer. Here's what we recommend keeping in mind to help your sale run smoothly.

Prepare your contract of sale early

In NSW, you need a contract of sale ready before your property can be marketed. Preparing this early avoids delays once you receive an offer or interest from a buyer.
Disclose what's required

Certain disclosures, such as zoning certificates and title searches, are legally required to be included in your contract. Missing disclosures can delay a sale or give a buyer grounds to withdraw.
Choose your agent carefully

A good agent does more than list your property. Look for someone with strong local knowledge, clear communication, and a track record of selling similar properties in your area.
Be realistic about timing

Settlement periods are negotiable, but unrealistic timeframes can cause friction with buyers. Discuss your ideal timeline with your conveyancer and agent early so it can be reflected in the contract.
Understand your obligations after exchange

Once contracts are exchanged, you have legal obligations to meet ahead of settlement. Staying in close contact with your conveyancer helps you meet these without last-minute stress.
Keep communication open

Sales can encounter hiccups, from finance delays to inspection requests. Staying responsive and working closely with your conveyancer and agent helps resolve issues quickly.