A client recently asked me for a breakdown of tasks that I would be completing as part of the post-settlement process. My client was embarking upon a property purchase in Brisbane and wasn’t sure of the continuing service that I, as a Buyer’s Agent, provide once the contract is signed.

Firstly, it comes down to, what is the role of the buyer’s agent? Essentially, a buyer’s agent is someone who works closely with a purchaser throughout the property purchasing process. They are either fully licensed or act as a representative under a licensed agency and help navigate the complex buying process. It is the job of the buyer’s agent to see that the purchase is simplified, and the property settles on time with minimal, or no, hassle.

So, I put pen to paper and this is what I came up with. Here is a breakdown of post-settlement tasks just off the top of my head are:

• Emailing the solicitors (buyer and seller) the contract and briefing your conveyancer
• Booking the building and pest inspections
• Attending the building and pest inspections
• Reporting back after the building and pest inspection
• Making a list of defects and conveying to yourselves as to what is a defect and what is fair wear and tear
• Making a claim to the seller for rectification of defects or settling on a monetary value as compensation
• Making a claim to the seller to have repairs rectified or settling on a monetary value as compensation
• Negotiating building and pest claim
• Getting quotes to have defects rectified and repairs fixed (involves site visits with trades to explain the extent of repairs
• Ensuring that finance clause is satisfied on time or extensions granted (otherwise you risk losing the property by defaulting on the contract)
• Ensuring that building and pest inspection clause is satisfied on time or extensions granted (otherwise you risk losing the property by defaulting on the contract)
• Liaising with solicitors, conveyancers, selling agents and yourselves to ensure the process goes smoothly and intervene if any issues arise (and they usually do)
• Booking and attending the pre-settlement inspection
• Problem-solving and conducting negotiations if the property is not fit for settlement, liaising with solicitors and the agent.
• Second post-settlement inspection, if required.
• Any other tasks associated with getting the property to settle on time with no penalty.