WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BUYING A HOME? BY SUE STEEL Buying a home is one of the most significant and exciting decisions you can make in your life. While it would be ideal if the process were as simple as handing over money and receiving the keys, the reality is far more complex - especially here in regional New South Wales. Together with the solicitors I work alongside, Tony Young and Anneka Frayne, we help guide our clients through the transaction, protect their interests, and avoid potentially costly pitfalls. Before you begin house hunting across Tamworth and its surrounding areas, we always recommend speaking with your bank or mortgage broker to obtain pre-approval for finance. This gives you a clear understanding of your borrowing capacity and positions you as a serious buyer when you're ready to make an offer. Once your finance is pre-approved, you can start the search for a suitable property. Whether you're looking for a family home in East Tamworth, a unit in South Tamworth, a small acreage in places like Moore Creek or Duri, or a large-scale farming enterprise across the Liverpool Plains or Peel Valley, a local real estate agent can assist in finding something that fits your needs. When you find the right property and your offer is accepted, the selling agent will ask for our contact details so the Contract for Sale can be issued. At that point, we will review the contract with you - either in person, over the phone or in writing, and explain any special conditions, easements or restrictions noted in the documentation. We'll also recommend that you obtain pre-purchase pest and building inspection reports. In regional areas, issues such as white ant damage, unapproved structures or ageing infrastructure can arise, so conducting proper due diligence is crucial. STACKS SUE STEEL H Once you're satisfied with the terms of the contract Iand have received unconditional approval for your loan, the contracts can be exchanged. This is the point at which the agreement becomes legally binding. In New South Wales, the standard settlement period is 42 days from the date of exchange, unless otherwise agreed. During this period, we'll coordinate with the seller's legal representative and your lender to carry out the required searches, confirm legal title, and calculate adjustments for council rates, water usage and other charges. We'll also advise you on the payment of transfer duty, previously known as stamp duty, which must be paid on settlement. You'll be asked to provide identification and sign authorisation documents so the transaction can be completed through the electronic platform PEXA. On the day of settlement, we ensure that all funds are transferred, documents are lodged, and legal ownership of the property is formally registered. Once settlement is confirmed, you'll be able to collect the keys from the real estate agent and take possession of your new home. Buying a home can feel overwhelming at times, but with the guidance of a trusted legal team and a clear understanding of the process, it can also be a rewarding and well-managed experience. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading for a growing family, or investing in a rural lifestyle property just outside Tamworth, professional legal support is key to protecting your future. If you have any questions about the conveyancing process or would like to discuss the purchase of your first home, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can reach me on (02) 6767 2000 or via email at ssteel@stacklaw.com.au. I'm here to help. 02 6767 2000 1 Fitzroy Street Tamworth stacklaw.com.au STACKS LAW FIRM AW7447239 WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BUYING A HOME ? BY SUE STEEL Buying a home is one of the most significant and exciting decisions you can make in your life . While it would be ideal if the process were as simple as handing over money and receiving the keys , the reality is far more complex - especially here in regional New South Wales . Together with the solicitors I work alongside , Tony Young and Anneka Frayne , we help guide our clients through the transaction , protect their interests , and avoid potentially costly pitfalls . Before you begin house hunting across Tamworth and its surrounding areas , we always recommend speaking with your bank or mortgage broker to obtain pre - approval for finance . This gives you a clear understanding of your borrowing capacity and positions you as a serious buyer when you're ready to make an offer . Once your finance is pre - approved , you can start the search for a suitable property . Whether you're looking for a family home in East Tamworth , a unit in South Tamworth , a small acreage in places like Moore Creek or Duri , or a large - scale farming enterprise across the Liverpool Plains or Peel Valley , a local real estate agent can assist in finding something that fits your needs . When you find the right property and your offer is accepted , the selling agent will ask for our contact details so the Contract for Sale can be issued . At that point , we will review the contract with you - either in person , over the phone or in writing , and explain any special conditions , easements or restrictions noted in the documentation . We'll also recommend that you obtain pre - purchase pest and building inspection reports . In regional areas , issues such as white ant damage , unapproved structures or ageing infrastructure can arise , so conducting proper due diligence is crucial . STACKS SUE STEEL H Once you're satisfied with the terms of the contract Iand have received unconditional approval for your loan , the contracts can be exchanged . This is the point at which the agreement becomes legally binding . In New South Wales , the standard settlement period is 42 days from the date of exchange , unless otherwise agreed . During this period , we'll coordinate with the seller's legal representative and your lender to carry out the required searches , confirm legal title , and calculate adjustments for council rates , water usage and other charges . We'll also advise you on the payment of transfer duty , previously known as stamp duty , which must be paid on settlement . You'll be asked to provide identification and sign authorisation documents so the transaction can be completed through the electronic platform PEXA . On the day of settlement , we ensure that all funds are transferred , documents are lodged , and legal ownership of the property is formally registered . Once settlement is confirmed , you'll be able to collect the keys from the real estate agent and take possession of your new home . Buying a home can feel overwhelming at times , but with the guidance of a trusted legal team and a clear understanding of the process , it can also be a rewarding and well - managed experience . Whether you're buying your first home , upgrading for a growing family , or investing in a rural lifestyle property just outside Tamworth , professional legal support is key to protecting your future . If you have any questions about the conveyancing process or would like to discuss the purchase of your first home , please don't hesitate to get in touch . You can reach me on ( 02 ) 6767 2000 or via email at ssteel@stacklaw.com.au . I'm here to help . 02 6767 2000 1 Fitzroy Street Tamworth stacklaw.com.au STACKS LAW FIRM AW7447239