From Offer to Keys: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Settlement

Think your offer’s accepted and it’s smooth sailing? Not so fast.
 
In this episode of The Local Ormeau Property Chat, Brett Reddell breaks down the 7  steps between “offer accepted” and getting the keys. Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading your family home, this guide will keep you prepared, protected, and confident. 

🛠️ What You’ll Learn: 

• What to double-check before signing the contract 
• How to avoid finance delays that could cost you the deal 
• The one inspection locals should never skip in Ormeau & Ormeau Hills 
• What to do if the pre-settlement walkthrough reveals issues 
• How to actually enjoy settlement day (without last-minute stress) 

This is the episode every local buyer wishes they heard earlier. 

👉 Want more local tips and real estate know-how? Subscribe now and follow Brett for trusted advice on buying and selling in the Ormeau area. 

 

What is Local Ormeau Property Chat?

The Local Ormeau Property Chat with Brett Reddell

Your home is your biggest asset—make sure you’ve got the right advice.

Join Brett Reddell, Ormeau’s trusted real estate expert, as he shares short, sharp episodes packed with insights to help you make smarter property decisions. Whether you’re thinking of selling, planning ahead, or just want to stay informed—Brett breaks down what’s really happening in the local market and why it matters to you.

Real tips. Local knowledge. Straight from the guy who knows Ormeau best.

 Hi, and welcome to the local Ormeau Property Chat podcast. I'm Brett Reddell, your trusted local real estate expert for Ormeau and Ormeau Hills. Whether you are buying, selling, or just curious about the market. This podcast is here to give you the insights and advice you need, plus a little community connection along the way with a passion for selling family homes to families.

I'm here to share practical tips and expert knowledge to help you make confident real estate decisions. Let's get started.

Good day everyone. Welcome back to the local Ormeau Property Chat podcast. I'm Brett Reddell, your local area specialist, and today we're talking about one of the most exciting and sometimes nerve wracking parts of buying a property, going from offer to settlement. You found the perfect place, made the offer, and it's been accepted.

Hey, congrats. But what happens next? It's not just about signing on the dotted line. There's a few crucial steps to get you from acceptance to moving in. Whether you are a first time buyer, an investor, or just looking to make all mow at all my hills your next home, I'm here to break down the process, keep it simple, and make sure you feel prepared and confident in every step of the way.

Let's dive in. So step one, offer accepted. Now what offer accepted is, is it time to get the paperwork sorted? You'll sign a contract of sale and the seller will do the same. This contract will include key details like. Agreed, purchase price, deposit amount, and due date, settlement period, and any special conditions or clauses.

Now, it's essential to review this contract carefully and get your solicitor or conveyancer to check it out before signing. They'll make sure everything is above board and that your interests are protected. So step two, paying the deposit, your next step is to pay the deposit. Typically, within a few days of signing the contract, this shows the seller you are serious and secures the property under your name.

Now, a common question I get is, what if I can't come up with a deposit on time? Well, if there's an issue, it's crucial to let your agent. End conveyance are no straight away. Sometimes arrangements can be made, but it's always better to be upfront about any challenges. Once that deposit is down, it's time to start getting really excited.

You're one big step closer to owning your new home. So step three, getting your finance finalised. If your offer was made subject to finance, now it's time to get that approval locked in. Even if you have pre-approval, your lender will need to officially confirm the loan amount and ensure it matches the property's valuation.

So here's a tip. Stay in touch with your broker or bank and respond quickly to any request for documents. Delays can slow down the whole process. Bit of local insight. If you're banking locally with one of the Ormeau community credit unions, or using a trusted mortgage broker from the area, they'll know the local market well and can help fast track your application.

I. Step four, building and pest inspections. Even if the house looks amazing, getting professional inspections done is a non-negotiable. These reports give you peace of mind that the property is structurally sound and free from major pest or damage. Imagine moving into your new place. Only discover termite damage or plumbing issues.

Not ideal. I always recommend reputable local inspectors who know what to look for, especially in Ormeau and Ormeau Hills, where older homes might have hidden quirks. It's all about protecting your investment and making sure your dream home doesn't come with any nasty surprises. Step five. Conveying and legal checks.

Your conveyancer will carry out important checks including title searches, council approvals, and zoning compliance. They'll also prepare the transfer of land documents and liaise with the seller's team to make sure everything is in order. So step six, pre-settlement inspection, a day or two before settlement, you'll do the final walkthrough of the property to ensure it's in the same condition as when you made the offer.

This is your chance to check that any agreed repairs have been done and that no damage has occurred since your initial inspection. Now, here's a tip. Bring along a checklist and make sure to test the taps, the lights, and the appliances. You wanna be confident that everything's in good working order. Step seven settlement day.

The big moment settlement day is when the property officially becomes yours. Your lender will transfer the funds to the seller and your conveyance will handle all the legal paperwork. Once that's complete, the keys are handed over and it's time to move in. Whether you're celebrating with the beer at the local Norfolk Tavern or grabbing a quick coffee at the Willow Cafe before the big move, it's an exciting moment to soak it all in.

Okay. Let's go through a few frequently asked questions. What if the settlement date gets delayed? Sometimes they're hiccups, like finance not being cleared or paperwork delays. Stay in touch with your conveyancer and agent communication is the key to sorting it out promptly. Can I move in before settlement?

In some cases, you might negotiate early possession, but it's not guaranteed. It usually requires both parties to agree and may come with additional terms. What if there's a problem during the pre-settlement inspection? Well, if you find an issue, report it immediately. Your agent will work with the seller to find a solution, whether that's fixing the problem or negotiating compensation.

Buying a home from offer to settlement doesn't have to be stressful, not when you know what to expect and have the right support around you. I'm here to help them make the process as smooth as possible from the moment you make that offer to the day you pick up your keys. If you've got any questions or want to chat about your property journey, get in touch.

I'd love to help you. Thanks for listening to the local Ormeau Property Chat podcast. Don't forget, subscribe for more local insights and real estate tips. Until next time, take care. Thanks for listening to the local Ormeau Property Chat podcast. I hope you found today's episode helpful and feel more empowered on your real estate journey.

My goal is to provide you with valuable advice while staying connected to our amazing community here in Ormeau and Ormeau Hills. Remember, selling Family Homes to families is what I do best, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Stay tuned for more tips, insights, and local area knowledge. In the next episode, I'll see you then.