If you are looking for tips and information on buying and selling in Perth WA there is good free advice at http:/www.oceaniasettlements.com.au/buy.asp

Qualified licensed settlement agent sharing this information

Worth having a read provides some great tips and helpful information how to get a deposit together, create a credit rating and much more.

"We paid off our 3 bedroom brick home on modest wages when interest rates had hit 17%! This book explains how you can do it too or save thousands in the process. Dog food recipies, alcohol recipes and gardening tips included." http://www.anitabell.com/mybizarretrip.htm

Fantastic idea small loans to women in poor countries

The Grameem Foundation provides poor communities with access to capital to make micro-loans to women who are working to develop or expand a small business. In many of the poorest countries micro businesses are the only way for families to escape poverty and give their children the opportunity to go to school.


As clients repay their micro-loans, the funds are recycled into new loans, multiplying the number of poor people who can begin their journey out of poverty.


Fantastic concept http://www.grameenfoundation.org/who-we-are

Contract of Sale - choose the right wording to protect yourself from unforeseen expenses

When buying a new property in the excitement of having your offer accepted, there is the potential for not including wording in the contract to save yourself unforeseen expenses.

Have you had a chance before signing to check everything works at the property?

The Joint Form of General Conditions at settlement only requires the seller to hand over the property in the same condition when the offer was accepted.

You could end up paying a tradesman to complete repairs after settlement i.e. stove ignition not working, toilet leaking?!

By adding wording to the contract 'All electrical, gas and plumbing to be in good working order at settlement'.

The wording will give you the opportunity to go through the property 7 days before settlement to pick up any issues. You can then request the seller make repairs before you settle. Alternatively if you do not wish to delay settlement you can obtain quotes to negotiate for funds to be held for repairs after settlement

http://www.oceaniasettlements.com.au/

ANZ - get it right?

Anyone who takes a housing or commercial loan with the ANZ currently have the ability to give the bank authorisation to debt a savings account on the morning of settlement for their contribution.

The ANZ in it's wisdom have decided from 31 August 2009 they will no longer provide this service.

What does it mean?
Now ANZ clients will have to queue at a branch to purchase a bank cheque for $10. Post a cheque to their settlement agent 4 days prior to settlement to allow for re banking and clearance through the banking system.

A bank will not let you purchase a bank cheque unless you have cleared funds available in an account. Yet all bank still take 3 working days to clear a bank cheque!

A settlement agent does not only queue to bank the cheque but go back 3 days later, queue to purchase a bank cheque from the Settlement Agent's Trust Account.

A bank cheque is then taken to settlement at the ANZ representatives office currently Esperon.

What do ANZ's client loose?

• a great service
• interest on savings
• time off work 'ask the boss for extra half hour for lunch to cover queueing'
• inconvenience 'how far away is the bank from work it's not open Saturday'
• stress will it get there on time 'will I need to pay an extra $16 to clear the cheque'
  

What else is coming, whispers are the ANZ are looking to close down their WA office and outsource to Perpetual Ltd in Melbourne?

Great further delays with settlements! Will settlement need to be booked 3 days in advance similar to Westpac who are currently based in Melbourne.

The ANZ made a profit of $3,319m to 30 September 2008 last year. Their current advertising on their website states 'get it right' and 'we got time to listen' how much more do they want!

Western Australia clients have contributed to the ANZ coffers, lets see the ANZ show loyalty and keep WA people employed, at the same time offer a great service not half hearted approach to service.

"I encourage all WA settlement agents & Finance Brokers to lodge a complaint with the ANZ"

and give their clients the contact details to email and phone number to lodge a complaint with the ANZ to highlight the inconvenience and loss of service.

Lodge a complaint 1800 805 154 or yourfeedback@anz.com fax 03 9683 9267

WA safety switches 'RCD's Residual Current Devices

As at 9 August 2009 any property built before 2000, sold or rented out must have installed 2 safety switches before settlement takes place or tenants move in.

This new regulation has been bought in by the Western Australian government to prevent inhabitants being electrocuted.

Costs around $500 to install 2 switches. Small switchboards may need upgrading to support 2 switches, the electrician may find other issues needing attention.

A licensed electrician should provide a Certificate stating the property has 2 safety switches installed. The Certificate to be given to the new owner or shown to any future tenant.

Failure to comply with the new regulation leaves sellers open to penalties of up to $15000.

I am encouraging real estate agents to make it a condition of a contract of sale, 'seller to install 2 Residual Current Devices before settlement'.

Why leave your client open to being reported by a buyer or tenant, to incurr fines more then the cost of complying with the new regulation? Add it to the contract and everyone knows where they stand.

www.engergysafety.wa.gov.au/RCD 9422 5200