QUICK ANSWER
A seller can reduce last-minute uncertainty by confirming ownership, the proposed inclusions, existing loans, tenancy details and important dates before the contract is prepared.
Key takeaways
- Confirm the legal owners and property details.
- List inclusions and known changes to the property.
- Coordinate discharge of finance early.
Prepare the property record
Give the adviser the property address, ownership names and any title or purchase documents you already hold. Mention renovations, boundary issues, strata matters, leases or notices that may affect disclosure or contract preparation.
Create a clear list of fixtures and movable items that will stay or be removed. Ambiguous inclusions are a common source of avoidable disagreement.
Connect the sale to your wider timing
Tell the adviser whether you are buying another property, relying on sale proceeds, ending a tenancy or working toward a particular moving date. Linked transactions need realistic timing and contingency planning.
- Current lender and loan details
- Agent instructions and proposed marketing dates
- Tenancy, strata or owners-corporation information
- Preferred settlement period and linked purchase dates
Understand what happens after exchange
Ask who holds the deposit, how adjustments are calculated and what you must do before settlement. Confirm when keys, possession and insurance responsibilities change.
Keep the adviser informed about changes to the property or timing. A new damage issue, delayed removal or changed bank instruction can affect settlement preparation.
TURN PREPARATION INTO A USEFUL SEARCH
Find providers connected to this guide.
Browse published services, then confirm the individual’s experience, availability, scope and fees directly.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Useful answers before you start.
Do I need a lawyer before choosing an agent?
You can speak with a conveyancer or lawyer early to understand contract preparation and timing. The professional roles are different, so ask who is responsible for each part of the sale.
What if I cannot find my old purchase documents?
Tell the adviser what is missing. Many records can be obtained from other sources, but retrieval can affect timing and cost.
When should I contact my lender?
Early enough to understand its discharge process and identification requirements. Ask your adviser how lender coordination will work.