Selling a property is a big decision to make and it’s important to know all the steps you need to take in order to reach a successful sale. The next few weeks will be filled with words and paperwork you probably haven’t seen before. But don’t worry, we’re here to make it easier for you.
We help people sell property every day, and we’ve broken down the conveyancing journey to 7 simple stages. The process won’t always be easy, but you’ll have our team right there with you every step of the way.
Stage 1: Contract drafting
Before your agent can advertise your property, you’ll need to have a contract for sale. The contract sets out exactly what’s for sale and includes all the specific information about your property. One of our lawyers will draft a contract for you, they’ll help make sure it’s fair and balanced in your favour. They’ll include all the important details about the property and do what they can to make sure your interests are looked after. Once you’re happy with the contract and a buyer has signed it, then the next step in the process can begin.
Stage 2: Conveyancing starter pack
We will send you something called a ‘conveyancing starter pack’. Inside you will find a few documents we need you to read and understand, then there will be a few documents we need you to sign. This is paperwork we can’t do for you, so it’s important to complete them as soon as you can. This will allow us to get moving with the lengthy process and it will give you a better chance of settling on time.
Along the way we’ll take care of all the parts we can do. Our team will guide you through the process and we’ll keep you informed about progress and any complexities or issues that may come up.
Stage 3: Verify your identity
To sell your house, you will need to verify that you are the owner whose name is on the title deed. To do that officially, you’ll need to get an identification verification so that the title deed goes to the right person, you! We will guide you on the verification process, and you’ll need to have your passport or birth certificate as well as a driver license or identification card.
Stage 4: Transfer of funds
Next, you’ll need to make sure all your finances are in order. For example, if you have a home loan, you’ll need to complete a mortgage discharge form for your bank. If funds are being transferred to you from the buyer then you’ll want to make sure everything is in place to receive the money. Our team will be liaising with you and your bank to have all necessary things in place so you have the best chance of settling on time
Stage 5: Pre-settlement inspection
Before everything is finalised at settlement, the buyer may want to arrange an inspection of the property. They’ll be looking to make sure nothing has changed since contracts were signed, for example no damage was made to the walls while you were moving out. They’ll also be looking to make sure any requests in the contract were fulfilled, so you need to make sure you’ve got everything ready for them by this date.
Stage 6: Settlement day
This is the day you’ve been waiting for. Everything is official – signed, sealed, and delivered. We will meet with the buyer’s lawyers and the real estate agent to exchange final documents, process payment, and transfer the payment for your house. We will still be doing some final paperwork for you, but for now you can pop the champagne and relax.
Stage 7: Receive post-settlement letter and documents
The final stage of conveyancing is when all the final paperwork comes through. You have now officially sold your property, and all payments and paperwork have been completed. You’ll get all the documents sent to you to file away and keep. It’s been a long journey but well done, you’ve completed your sale.
This article is provided for general information purposes only. Its content is current at the date of publication. It is not legal advice and is not tailored to meet your individual needs. You should obtain specialist advice based on your specific circumstances before taking any action concerning the matters discussed in this article.
