Selling Your Home with SettleMe

Prepare your property for sale

We help you prepare right from the start. We will have your Section 32 Vendor’s Statement (which includes title details, easements, zoning, rates, bushfire status, etc.) prepared accurately and on time. An accurate Section 32 is legally required and helps avoid costly disputes later.

Contract and negotiation

We can draft and review the contract of sale tailored to your situation. We can clarify key terms like the settlement period and any special conditions (for example, which fixtures stay with the house). Once a buyer makes an offer, we can work with your agent to negotiate the best terms. We can also review any buyer’s conditions, such as finance or inspection clauses, to ensure they are fair and meet your needs.

Buyer due diligence

Buyers may request additional information or documents once under contract. We respond promptly to their queries and provide needed paperwork. If inspections reveal issues, we can assist in negotiating fixes or price adjustments. Our goal is to facilitate the sale smoothly, so we handle all contract changes and communications efficiently.

Pre-settlement coordination

After contracts are exchanged, we move toward settlement. We confirm that the buyer’s deposit has been paid and that any buyer conditions have been satisfied. We liaise with the buyer’s conveyancer and financial institutions to make settlement arrangements, making sure everyone agrees.

Early release of deposit

Section 27 of the Sale Act 1962 (Vic) permits the early release of the deposit money prior to settlement to a vendor under a contract of sale of land in certain prescribed circumstances. If eligible, we can prepare the relevant paperwork to make this possible.

Settlement day and completion

On the agreed settlement day, we finalise the transaction through PEXA, discharging any existing mortgage and ensuring council and other outgoings are up to date. Once the title is registered in the buyer’s name and debts are cleared, we arrange for you to receive the remaining funds and confirm that settlement is complete. From start to finish, our goal is a stress-free sale so you can move forward without worry.

Ready to Sell?

Reach out to schedule a free consultation. SettleMe will take care of all the legal details so you can focus on your move.

Property Calendar

To help you visualise the process, here’s a typical property timeline:

  • Day 0 (Contract Signing): Contracts are signed by both parties, making the sale legally binding (subject to any cooling-off period and any special conditions). The buyer pays the agreed deposit after the contract is signed. We confirm receipt of the deposit and can circulate copies of the signed contract to stakeholders.
  • Day 1–3 (Cooling-Off Period): In most private property sales in Victoria, buyers have a 3 business day cooling-off period after signing the contract. This gives a purchaser a chance to change their mind and cancel the sale. There are exceptions – cooling-off does not apply if the property is commercial or industrial, the land is over 20 hectares and used for farming, the sale happens at a public auction, or within 3 business days before or after one, or the buyer is a company or a real estate agent.
  • Weeks 1–4 (Pre-Settlement Period): During this time, finance approvals and building/pest inspections usually occur. If the buyer chooses to proceed, we assist with finalising any finance and inspection conditions so that the contract can proceed on an unconditional basis. We guide sellers in preparing documents and discharging mortgages, while buyers finalise loans and complete searches (like council, water, strata certificates). We send reminders for outstanding tasks and liaise with agents and lenders to keep things on track.
  • Settlement Day (typically 4–8 weeks after signing): On the agreed settlement date, we coordinate an electronic settlement via PEXA. Funds are exchanged, title is transferred, and any debts (council rates, water, etc.) are cleared. Once settlement is completed, the title is updated to show the buyers names and the seller receives the sale funds.
  • Post-Settlement: We confirm that settlement has been completed through PEXA. We then close our files on the transaction and send you a record of the settlement financials. We’re also available for any follow-up questions.

This calendar is a guide. Your transaction may have a shorter or longer timeline depending on your situation. SettleMe will outline exact dates and milestones for you and send timely updates throughout.

Conveyancing Checklist

Stay organised with this conveyancing checklist. Here’s an overview of typical actions:

For Buyers:

  • Review the Section 32 and contract of sale with SettleMe.
  • Pay the deposit as specified in the contract.
  • Arrange finance pre-approval or finalise your loan.
  • Book building and pest inspections.
  • Obtain home insurance (your lender will usually require proof before settlement).
  • Undertake verification of your identity with SettleMe.
  • Confirm satisfaction or waiver of special conditions (finance, sale of another property, etc.).
  • Attend the final inspection of the property (recommended) before settlement.
  • On settlement day, review the settlement statement and receive the keys to your new home!
  • Ensure your conveyancer completes all property searches and title checks (including council, water, and land tax searches).

For Sellers:

  • Choose a real estate agent with a fair commission rate who understands your property and the local market.
  • Prepare the Section 32 Vendor’s Statement with SettleMe.
  • Agree on a settlement date with your agent and the buyer.

  • Gather all information requested by SettleMe.
  • Start the process with your mortgage lender as soon as the contract is signed to avoid delays in obtaining the payout figure.

  • Undertake verification of your identity with SettleMe.
  • Maintain the property in the same condition as at the day of sale. Yes, keep those gardens weeded!
  • Arrange final meter readings (water, gas, etc.), if required.

  • On settlement day, hand over the keys (via your agent) before the scheduled settlement time, and receive the sale proceeds in your account following settlement.

SettleMe will guide you through each item above, ensuring nothing is missed.
Our communication keeps you informed so you always know what’s next.