Congratulations, you bought a house!
We’re so thrilled to have been part of your journey, but it’s not quite over yet…
Our Pre-settlement Checklist is your invitation to exhale. Once completed, confidently turn the key and step through the doorway of your new home and into your next chapter.
We know you’ve got a lot on your mind, so we’ve put together this easy-to-follow checklist to guide you into the final stage.
Utilities
Don’t wait until the day you move in to set up utilities for your new home, have them switched on a few days or even a week before. Not only does this allow you to troubleshoot any quirks involved with connections or new accounts, but often a vendor will have their utilities switched off prior to settlement. Hooking up your accounts prior to settlement ensures power and water is flowing for your final inspection– vital for you to be able check everything is working well prior to settlement.
2. Keys
Arrange to change locks after settlement. It’s usual for the agent to hold the keys after settlement so you can collect them from the agent’s office. You should call the agent to confirm that the keys will be available after settlement, or should you wish to make other arrangements this is the time to do that.
2. Insurance
If you haven’t already arranged your building and/or contents insurance, you should do this now. We have a few trusted insurance companies we align with, so if you aren’t locked into, or unhappy with your current provider, or perhaps this is your first home and you don’t have insurance yet, please get in contact and we can hook you up.
Final Inspection
A final walk through will be offered to every owner before settlement day. In the rare case that it isn’t, it’s important to understand you’re entitled to do so at any time within 7 days prior to the settlement date. Approach this walk through prepared. Know what you’re looking for, understand what your rights are. Feeling underprepared? We got you, we put together a prolific sample checklist below.
The Final Inspection
Your main objective:
To make sure nothing has changed since you last inspected the property.
Focus points:
Furnishings, fixtures, appliances, and other items included in the contract, make sure they haven’t been removed from the premises.
Check for damage to the property that has occurred after the purchase and building inspection
That nothing unwanted is left behind from the previous owner like old furniture or rubbish. Take photos of the items you want removed and email them to your agent.
Ensuring everything is in working order such as appliances, plumbing, fixtures etc. Things can break down from the date of purchase to settlement. It’s really important to have these items fixed before moving in.
Crossing Ts and dotting (two sets of) eyes:
Two sets of eyes are better than one. Bring your partner, a friend or family member and do a double run through, things you might miss could be picked up by the other person and vice versa.
A handy detailed checklist of things to look for:
electrical switchboard
gas meter
shower rose & hand shower
exhaust / ceiling fans
stove / cooktop / oven
dishwasher
air conditioner
evaporative cooler
heating unit/s
hot water service
pool/spa pump
telephone line
letter box & doorbell
light fixtures including pendants
water taps and mixers (check outside for hose taps as well)
tap spouts
water filtration system
laundry tub
washing machine taps
sinks (check they don’t leak)
toilets (check they flush)
door handles
landscaping features (maintained)
garage door (check remote)
door locks & window locks
window dressings (curtains/blinds, both interior and exterior
Jobs to do after you move:
Organise a mail redirection, you can do this through your local post office
Change your address on your driver’s licence. Go to Vic Roads or, a less painless option is to do it through the VicRoads website, literally takes minutes.
Update your address for all other organisations, banks, doctors, other service providers.
Enjoy your next chapter!
