Take the time to make sure the oven and stove work, check all the indoor and outdoor taps, flush the toilets, run the airconditioning and heating, check the security system and any remote controlled gates and doors, and try the reticulation.

Final inspections a must June 2011

Many people ask whether a final inspection before settlement is necessary. Whether you are buying your first house, or your fifth, there are several reasons why you should make a concerted effort to complete a final inspection.

Pre-settlement inspections give the buyer the opportunity to ensure everything included in the Contract of Sale is actually there. Sometimes the seller will simply have forgotten that they agreed to leave the bedroom curtains or pool cleaning equipment with the house.

Also if you’ve asked for something to be fixed you need to make sure it has been done satisfactorily. It is also the time to double check everything in case there were issues you missed before. If you find new problems make sure they are noted in the Contract of Sale to be fixed before settlement.

The time to identify problems is prior to settlement, not on the day of the scheduled settlement or after you have moved in. Problems identified before settlement have the best chance of being remedied. It is extremely difficult to go back after settlement and get the seller to fix things, things you as the buyer should have picked up, so have an inspection and be thorough.

What should you be looking at during your pre-settlement inspection? Using a copy of the sales contract as a checklist, make sure that all items listed in the contract are in place. This can include appliances, built-in furniture, window coverings, carpets, dishwasher, pool equipment, etc.

Pre-settlement inspections also give you the chance to learn about the property and familiarise yourself with things like airconditioning and reticulation. This is your best opportunity to check that everything is in good working order and ensure you know how everything works. Take notes and ask for instruction manuals for things like ovens, dishwashers, airconditioning, security systems and reticulation.

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Make sure you know how to operate and clean the pool pump and filter. Make sure the remote controls for any devices are available and note the location of any fixed controls. Find the location of the meterbox and check for RCDs and smoke alarms. Although pre-settlement inspections take time and may be inconvenient, they are well worth the effort. If you are unable to conduct an inspection ask a friend or family member to do it, or at least ask the agent to leave you a set of instructions for all appliances.

Friday June 24 2011

March 2010

Are you ready for

winter?

A survey by SGIO suggests that most of us are not prepared for severe winter weather. Apparently over 60 percent of people surveyed have not cleaned out gutters. Over half have not checked the condition of boundary fences and nearly 60 percent have not checked their roof for leaks. Maybe the lack for heavy rain over the last couple of years has made us complacent, but the rain in late May, early June is a reminder to give our houses a winter check up. A lot of damage is preventable if we prepare our homes for storms and bad weather. SGIO recommends:

check your roof for any damage or corrosion;

clear leaves and other debris from gutters, downpipes and drains so water can get away as quickly as possible;

have a professional lop any branches that hang over your home, garage or shed;

have shade sails and awnings professionally fitted to prevent them tearing off;

ask your council or energy com-pany to check trees that may pose a threat to your property, or powerlines;

make sure you have a readily available list of emergency con-tact numbers; and

check you have adequate home building and contents insurance and update accordingly.

Top tips for a successful move

Moving house can be very stressful. The Grace Removals Group celebrates 100 years of moving this year and have provided the following advice based on their experiences.

When planning your move, create a checklist of things you need to do in the lead up to the moving date. Prioritisation is key in this process and it is important you follow this checklist closely to ensure you are fully prepared when the day arrives

Using the services of a removalist can relieve the stress of moving, you won't have to drive back and forth yourself, or rely on friends and family for help

It is essential to begin packing your belongings a couple of weeks early as this will help you to avoid running around on the moving day and stressing about time

Start by packing the most disorganised rooms first and things will become easier once the content of these rooms are in boxes

Colour coding and labelling your boxes will assist you with finding important items easily once moved in and unpacking items room by room

If possible try and plan carefully where your furniture will be placed in your new home. Space can often be an issue and stressing about what objects and furniture will go where can put pressure on the move

The most time consuming activity around moving relates to updating suppliers and contacts on your change of address. Be prepared to organise connecting your phone, gas and electricity as well as redirecting your mail before arriving in your new home. Don’t forget to look into your new local vet, dentist and doctor

If necessary, remember to defrost the refrigerator 48 hours before the move to allow the interior time to dry. After towel drying the interior, wipe with vanilla essence. This is the ultimate fridge and freezer odour killer and completely safe to administer around food

On the day of the move, pack an overnight bag with your essentials so you are comfortable as your belongings arrive

Make a final check of the house including cupboards and storage areas to ensure you have taken all of your belongings with you. Ensure you have locked all doors and windows when leaving your old house.

“These are reasonably affordable areas, and the train and freeway make them very accessible. They have a high appeal to young families, and as a result there is a high turnover of properties when people upgrade as their family grows,” said Ryan and Darren.

The new ACTON Southern Suburbs - Success Branch is located at Unit 9 Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre, 824 Beeliar Drive, Success.

Disclaimer: This newsletter has been prepared by ACTON. Every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate at the time of publication. ACTON takes no responsibility for any subsequent action that may arise from the use of this newsletter.

Disclaimer: This newsletter has been prepared by LJ Hooker. Every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate at the time of publication. LJ Hooker takes no responsibility for any subsequent action that may arise from the use of this newsletter ©2009 Hooker Corporation Limited 12/09

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