Waikerie

Waikerie is a rural town in the Riverland region of South Australia on the south bank of the Murray River. The Sturt Highway passes to the south of the town at the top of the cliffs and there is a cable ferry crossing to provide vehicle access from the north side of the river. Waikerie is known for citrus growing along with stone fruit and grapes.

We at McKay Business Services have an office at Shop 3, 14 White Street Waikerie which provides services for all the Riverland area including Waikerie, Berri, Blanchetown,  Morgan, Barmara, Renmark, Monash, Swan Reach, Nurioopta, Kapunda, and surrounds. This new venture has been made possible by the immense support and continued interest in our business and the realisation of the need for a physical presence in and around Waikerie coupled with the fact that we already have staff living in Waikerie.

Buying Property

Before buying or selling a home or an investment property in SA there are a number of things that you should think about. You will have lots of input from family, friends and professionals but always keep in mind your own intentions and goals. Here are a few tips from us!

Local Amenities 

Think about the features you want from the area in which you want to live. Take note of local schools, shops, public transport, travel times to work or to visit family. People at different stages in life will want different amenities so do your research.

Building and Pest Inspection

It is a good idea to have a professional building and pest inspection done before proceeding with a purchase. Even if the building is relatively new it is worth setting your mind at rest. Be sure to include a building inspection as a condition of the contract. It is not unheard of for vendors to undertake their own building inspection so there are no surprises during the cooling-off period. If purchasing at Auction then we recommend organising the Building Inspection at least a few days prior to the Auction, this can be arranged through the agent.

Electrical Appliances in the home 

Make sure you investigate if the Oven and Stove Top, Airconditioning, Heating and Hot Water Service are all in working order before you sign the contract or during your cooling off period. Nearly all contracts have the property as being at the risk of the purchaser so if they break down after the contract has been signed then you as the purchaser will be liable to fix or replace them.

Swimming Pool compliance

does the property have a swimming pool? To be certain the pool safety fencing is compliant include a condition in the contract that a pool compliance certificate is provided prior to settlement.

Finance

Contact your mortgage broker or bank as early in the process as possible. They can advise you of the documentation required to be submitted with your application such as pay slips and other financial evidence. If your contract is subject to finance the date for approval will be specified so time is of the essence when providing information to the bank.

Ownership

Think about how you will hold the Title to the property. You may purchase as a sole person proprietor, joint tenants, tenants in common or maybe a trust or self-managed superannuation fund. If you are purchasing an investment property or have specific financial circumstances, you should seek financial advice about the best structure for you. The correct instructions must be given as errors can be costly to rectify.

Property Manager

If you are purchasing an investment property you will need to decide if you will manage the property yourself or engage a property manager. Managing yourself will save on agents’ fees but will mean more direct involvement with a tenant. In engaging a Property Manager, you will be more ‘hands-off’ but will need to take into account the extra cost.

Carpet and House cleaning

if you are moving into your new home would you like to arrange for the carpets, floors and windows to be cleaned first? Does the house need a good professional clean? If you don’t have to move in on settlement day you will have time for a clean to be done

Locksmith

the agent will hand over the keys to the property on settlement day. You may want to consider changing the locks to ensure security so call a locksmith to assist. If the property has a security system, change the access codes and contact the provider to arrange monitoring.

Insurance

did you know when you purchase a property at Auction you must take out insurance immediately? If you purchase a property, you should take out building’s insurance immediately after signing the contract or at least as soon as the cooling-off period has expired. In SA property is at the risk of the purchaser until and after settlement from the date of signing the contract. Talk to your Conveyancer if you are purchasing a community or Strata titled property as insurance requirements can vary.

Utilities

Take some time to research the best deals for utilities. You will need to arrange for connection of electricity, gas, telephone, internet and perhaps NBN in advance to ensure everything is ready for moving day. Utility connection and disconnection are the responsibility of the home-owner.

riverland Water – Central Irrigation Trust and other….

How is water supplied to the property that you are purchasing and what water rights/licenses etc  do you have or need to have?  Talk to your the agent and your conveyancer about this before you sign a contract for a property in the riverland and other relevant areas.

Vacant Land

If you are purchasing Vacant Land, make sure you investigate the cost of installing the connections from the street for mains water and sewer, electricity, Gas and NBN.

Redirection of Mail

have you let everyone know you are moving and have you advised them of your new address? Have a list of contacts who regularly send you mail ready so they can be notified after settlement. Most companies prefer to send bills and invoices via email so set aside some time to set this up before you move.

Removalist

have you booked a removalist for the day of Settlement you may need to do this as soon as you know you have a settlement date; and do you have enough boxes to pack your belongings into? Look on the free sites or Gumtree etc. as lots of people give away or sell their boxes cheaply. Start packing early and maybe take the opportunity to pass on or dispose of things you don’t need! Decluttering is very on trend at the moment! Donate what you can to charity.

See more information and referral partners:  McKay Business Services Checklist

The team at McKay Business Services are all members of the AICSA and are proud Adelaide conveyancers