Buying a house or selling a house involves multiple steps which include compliance, coordinating various tasks and finalising binding contracts.
Working with skilled settlement agents in Perth, also known as conveyancers, can help streamline the process of buying or selling a property. To make sure you’ve chosen the best conveyancer in Perth, there are several questions you should ask before deciding.
What are your qualifications as a settlement agent?
This may seem like an obvious question, but it’s best to work only with a professional who holds the correct qualifications in Western Australia. Settlement agents in Perth handle the process of buying or settling a property and must hold a current license and triennial certificate.
We also recommend you check your licensed settlement agent is a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA. (AICWA)
What types of property do you work with?
Different kinds of property transactions each call for a specific expertise. For example, if you’re looking to buy a new residential home in Perth, then it’s best to use a settlement agent who specialises in residential property.
Or, if you’re buying/ selling commercial property, choose a settlement agent with experience in conducting settlements for shops, offices, factories etc.
Similarly, if you’re developing and selling strata property, look for a settlement agent who’s a subdivision specialist and who understands the intricacies of this type of property transaction.
Each type of property requires a different knowledge and skillset to see a settlement through to successful conclusion.
How much experience do you have?
When searching online for ‘settlement agents near me’ you will come across several conveyancers who’ve only recently gone into business. While that’s not necessarily a problem providing they hold the relevant qualifications, it’s always worth trying to find a settlement agent with plenty of experience.
Ask how long the agent has been in business and how many properties they’ve settled. Settlement agents in Perth who have years of experience settling potentially thousands of properties will be happy to share their journey, especially if they’ve settled on notable or famous property sales. This is valuable because someone with a wealth of experience is more likely to spot problems or be aware of pitfalls before they cause a delay to the settlement process.
Alecia Kidman the Director and Licensee at Kidman Conveyancing Services has over 25 years’ experience in the industry, and Dee Elliott as a Senior Conveyancing Clerk has over 35 years’ experience. The whole team is highly knowledgeable and excel in their role as settlement agents.
Do you have a team or other members of the office?
Settlement agents in Perth often work independently as both the owner and operator of their own businesses.
This can have some disadvantages:
- Life happens and if your conveyancer is sick, you can end up with delays because there’s no backup or office support
- Settlements take place Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year (excluding some Public Holidays). And of course, everyone deserves a holiday including settlement agents. Without office support and proper planning, there could be a delay to your property settlement.
Whether you opt for a conveyancer with a team or not it’s important to know how they operate. This helps you understand the procedures in place should your conveyancer become unavailable and how that might impact the settlement process.
How do you communicate, and how often?
The difference between the worst and best conveyancer in Perth often comes down to communication. While most settlement agents in Perth have switched from letters to electronic communication methods, there’s still variation in how often they contact you. Some people prefer a scheduled phone call at the end of the week with an update, while others prefer a simple text message or email each time a milestone is reached.
It’s important to know how and when your conveyancer will communicate with you. Given the complexity of property transactions, it’s essential to feel well taken care of throughout the process, so choose a settlement agent whose communication style aligns with your needs
Expert conveyancers will take the time to conduct an identity check through the Scantek App system or at their office and thoroughly explain the settlement process right from the outset. This gives you the opportunity to understand how and when everything falls into place to meet your settlement due date.
What are your fees?
Once you’re happy you’ve found a qualified settlement agent with the right amount of experience, it’s important to understand the settlement fees. When searching online for ‘settlement agents near me’ it can be tempting to choose those with the lowest fees, but it’s more important to understand what you’re being charged for.
Most settlement agents charge a service fee based on the number of hours worked to conduct and complete your settlement. A lower fee means the agency may spend fewer hours on your settlement, which increases the risk of errors. Property is your largest asset so it’s vital your conveyancer conducts the settlement work thoroughly.
Along with the settlement fee, there are other fees and charges to consider including title searches, disbursements and government fees. Ask your settlement agent how and when these are payable.
While settlement agent fees do vary, if you find someone offering significantly lower prices it’s wise to be cautious. Ask for a comprehensive written quote so you know exactly why the price is low – in some cases, there are hidden costs that will be applied at a later date. On top of that, make sure you know what additional services (and therefore fees) might be applicable should the settlement not go according to plan.
At Kidman Conveyancing, we ensure that the fee we quote is exactly what you are charged – there are no hidden costs or increased charges added throughout the settlement process.
We understand every client is unique – with our small team we can offer the best of both worlds by balancing personal service with the ability to delegate tasks within our team. If you’re looking for the best conveyancer in Perth, give us a call or contact us online.
What Qualifications Should My Settlement Agent Have?
Ensure your settlement agent holds the necessary qualifications for Western Australia, including a current licence and triennial certificate. It’s also advisable to choose a licensed settlement agent who is a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA (AICWA) for added credibility.
Do You Specialise in Specific Types of Properties?
Different types of properties require different expertise. If you’re buying or selling residential, commercial or strata properties, it’s essential to work with a settlement agent who specialises in the specific type of property you’re dealing with. Each property type comes with its own specific challenges, and only a specialised agent can manage them effectively.
How Do You Communicate and What Are Your Fees?
Effective communication and a transparent fee structure are crucial when choosing a settlement agent. Clarify how your conveyancer will communicate with you and how frequently. From regular phone calls and emails to other methods of communication, they should align with your preferences.
When it comes to the fees, make sure you understand the breakdown including the service fee and any additional costs like title searches, disbursements, and government fees. Be cautious of lower fees because this could mean the quality of the service is substandard and/or additional costs could be added later.