North Shore Conveyancing

AML/CTF is officially here 👋 From earlier this week, you'll notice one small but important change to the way we work at North Shore Conveyancing.

Your ID check will now be completed right at the start of your transaction 🪪🔍

Under the new AML/CTF requirements, we're unable to continue working on your matter until this is completed. When you receive an invitation to verify your identity, please complete it as soon as you can to avoid any delays with your settlement.

The good news? Once your ID has been verified, it's valid for two years. So if your purchase doesn't proceed and you find another property, or your circumstances change, you won't need to repeat the process during that period.

So far, our clients have adapted brilliantly to the new requirements. The process is quick, can be completed from your smartphone at any time, and your information is securely stored right here in Australia through our trusted partner, easyAML.

As with any new process, there are bound to be questions along the way. If you're unsure why we're asking for something, or simply want to understand the changes a little better, please share your questions below, or reach out to me at any time 😊

One year in business... plus one day 😅 Apparently, time really does fly when you're having fun.

Twelve months ago, North Shore Conveyancing officially opened its doors 🍾 Looking back, I could never have imagined what this first year would bring.

There have been countless settlements, so many wonderful clients, some incredibly kind reviews, and referrals from people who trusted me enough to recommend me to their family and friends. Honestly, that is something I'll *never* take for granted.

I've also had the privilege of reconnecting with so many people I'd worked with throughout my career, while building new relationships with local agents, brokers and other industry professionals who have been so supportive of this little business.

Running your own business is equal parts exciting, rewarding and occasionally (read: often) terrifying 😂 But every challenge has been worth it.

To every client who trusted me with one of the biggest financial transactions of their life...
To every person who referred a friend...
To everyone who has liked, shared or commented on one of my posts...

Thank you.

Your support has helped turn a dream into a thriving business, and I'm incredibly grateful for every single one of you.

Happy Take Your Dog to Work Day! 🐶

*Does it count when you work from home? Asking for a friend...*

Meet Teddy, North Shore Conveyancing's unofficial Chief Happiness Officer 💛

The first photo is actually his professional headshot from his previous corporate role (yes, really 😂), and the second takes me right back to one of my very first conveyancing jobs when he was just a tiny puppy keeping me company in the office. (And yes, those are the same dog - we were just as surprised at the change in colour when we picked him up from his first haircut)

These days, his responsibilities include...
🐾 Supervising settlements from the comfiest spot in the house
🐾 Barking at the postie
🐾 Providing emotional support during busy weeks

Although, if we're being honest, his contribution to file management remains questionable 😅

I'd love to see your workplace companions too! Share a photo of your pooch in the comments 👇

Getting the keys before settlement sounds pretty appealing, right? 🔑

This arrangement is called 'prior possession', and while it can work in some circumstances, it's generally not something I ever recommend.

Here's why 👇

⚠️ Insurance can be incredibly difficult

This is my biggest concern. Prior possession creates a bit of a grey area because the buyer is living in a property they don't yet own, nor do they have a lease agreement to rent.

If you're considering prior possession as either a buyer or seller, please don't just assume your existing insurance will cover you. Pick up the phone and have a detailed conversation with your insurer about your specific circumstances.

🏡 The buyer accepts the property "as is"

Once prior possession commences, the buyer accepts the property in its current condition. If something stops working or if the property is damaged (even by natural causes) after possession is granted but before settlement occurs, it can quickly become a source of disagreement between the parties.

💰 Transfer (Stamp) duty will still be payable

This is the one that surprises most people. If a buyer takes possession before settlement and the contract later falls over for any reason, the buyer will still be liable for transfer duty, even though they never ultimately become the owner of the property.

For me, the risks of prior possession far outweigh the benefits (despite how this might not seem to be the case when you're faced with the seemingly impossible situation of a delayed settlement).

And it's definitely something that should only be entered into after getting proper legal, insurance and conveyancing advice. Generally, waiting a few extra days for settlement is by far the simpler (and safest) option.

Questions? Thoughts? Comments? I'd love to discuss below 👇

One of the things I hear most often from clients is that they felt informed throughout the entire process 💛

Buying or selling property can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time or it's been a while since you've been through a settlement. That's why I believe clear communication is just as (if not more) important as getting the paperwork right.

For Paul and his family, it was about having someone available to answer questions, explain things in plain English, and help make a stressful process moving across the country feel a whole lot easier.

Thank you for the lovely review and for trusting North Shore Conveyancing with your sale 🙏

Thinking about buying or selling?

You can now get a free, instant quote any time, day or night, through the North Shore Conveyancing website, with a full breakdown of fees and charges so there are no surprises.

💻 https://www.northshoreconvey.com.au/

And if you're ready to make an offer, don't forget that complimentary pre-contract reviews are always available too 🏡

"When do I get the keys?" 🔑 It's one of the most common questions buyers ask us, and the answer depends on whether the seller is still living in the property.

🏡 If the property is vacant (or wasn't the seller's primary residence), the keys can usually be released by the real estate agent immediately after settlement.

🏡 If the seller is living in the property, they have until 12pm the day after settlement to vacate and hand over possession.

And importantly, that's a calendar day, not a business day. 📅 So if settlement occurs on a Friday, key handover is by 12pm Saturday.

Now, where things get interesting is when there's a chain of settlements.

Sometimes people sell one property and buy another on the same day. They need to be out of their old home by 12pm the day after settlement... but they also can't get into their new one until the seller there has vacated.

It can honestly feel like a giant game of property Tetris 😅

The good news is that in most cases, everyone works together to make it happen. Early communication, a little flexibility and some compromise usually go a long way. But yes... occasionally that means sitting outside your new home with a moving truck full of furniture, waiting for the call that the keys were ready (been there, done that - I feel your pain) 🫠

Got questions about key handover? Let me know in the comments, or shoot me a DM.