As conveyancers dealing daily with properties that have been bought and sold we know that moving can be one of the most stressful times you will encounter. We recognise the need to be organised and have compiled a list of helpful hints to be used to remind you of some of the items you may need to take care of before or after your settlement has been successfully completed.

Notification required (in writing is always better)

If renting

• give owner required notice
• application for return of bond

Insurance re change of address for

• Cars
• House
• Contents

Final readings of

• Electricity meter (13 1353)
• Gas meter (13 1358)

Government Departments

• Medicare (13 2011)
• Centrelink (13 1021)
• Department of Transport (Registration & License) (13 1156) call.centre@dpi.wa.gov.au
• State Electoral Commission (13 6306)
• Taxation Department (13 2861)

General requirements for Change of Address

• Employer
• Superannuation Fund
• Telephone
  Home and Mobile
• Alinta Gas (13 1358)
• Synergy (13 1353)
• Health fund
• Delivery services (eg Paper, Milk)
• Lawn mowing services and Garden Bags
• Child care
• Pest Control & other regular services
• Bank or building society
• Credit card suppliers
• Accountant, Stockbrocker & Lawyer
• Australia Post - redirection of mail (13 1318)
• Schools - if changing schools then ensure transfer of student records
• Club Membership
• Friends, Relatives and Neighbours
• Magazine subscriptions
• Doctor and Dentist - if changing doctor or dentist then ensure transfer of medical records
• Internet provider
• Foxtel
• Library
• Dog registration and vet

Handy Hints

• Ensure supply of boxes, newspapers, tape, scissors, marking pens and bubble wrap
• Obtain quotes and book a removalist
• Clean out and defrost fridge and freezer ahead of move
• Create a Survival box with kettle, coffee, tea, sugar, long life milk, cleaning products, paper, pens, tape measure, cups, toilet paper, soap, bandaids, panadol, can opener, torch and a spare set of keys.

This information is required by your Settlement Agent

• Have you complied with all the conditions of your Offer and Acceptance?
• If you have a Bank Mortgage or Caveat, please advise your Settlement Agent which branch holds your title.
• Before arranging your Removalist please confirm the settlement date with your Settlement Agent.
• Forward your Certificate of Title to your Settlement Agent by Registered Mail.
• Sign discharge of encumberances as instucted by your conveyancer.
• Please sign and return all documents sent to you by your settlement agent as quickly as possible.
• If you are the buyer you can request an inspection of the property prior to settlement. Please ensure that as a buyer that you check all areas of concern and if you are the seller that you have the property in the same condition that it was at the time of the sale. If you have any concerns they should be discussed and a compromise agreed by all parties at the inspection.
• Contact your real estate agent for handover of keys.

Quick checklist for sellers

Things your settlement agent needs to know

• Do you have the duplicate Certificate of Title?
• Do you have a Mortgage? (with whom).
• Are you aware of any unregistered encumbrances on the property?
• Do you have a personal banker/broker? If yes, please supply us with their details.
• Is the property rented? (this information needs to be included in the contract).
• Will you be available to sign our documents and the banks Discharge of Mortgage documents?

Quick checklist for buyers

Things your settlement agent needs to know

• Have you received finance approval? (with whom).
• Are you going to live in the property?
• Are you a first home buyer?
• Do you have a personal banker/broker? If yes, please supply us with their details.
• Will you be available to sign our documents and the banks new Mortgage documents?