The Property Market Playbook: Lawyers, Lenders & Agents

Buying or selling property? Don't move alone! In this essential episode of the VSBN Podcast, host Cynthia Peretz from Metrolinx Property Advisors sits down with two experts: Crystal Evans from Attain Loans (Finance) and Lynda Sanders from Dixon & Sanders Lawyers (Legal).

We dive deep into the entire property process—from securing the right finance and navigating tricky legal documents, to the invaluable role of a vendor and buyer's advocate. Get the expert knowledge you need to move faster and smarter in the property market!

💰 Finance & Borrowing: Avoid Costly Mistakes
Crystal Evans of Attain Loans highlights the biggest mistakes buyers make and how to avoid them:

Bank vs. Broker: Why relying solely on your existing bank can limit your options. A good broker provides a much wider range of products and a broader view of your circumstances.

The Waiting Game: Don't let old advice or market "noise" make you delay. The first step should always be a consultation with a broker to determine your true borrowing capacity and available grants/schemes.

The Pre-Approval Process: Understand the importance and 90-day window of pre-approval, and how an initial assessment can save your credit rating if you're not ready to actively search.

Calculating Costs: Learn why your broker must include all associated costs (stamp duties, conveyancer fees, bank costs) in your borrowing calculations—not just the purchase price—to ensure a smooth settlement.

⚖️ Legal Due Diligence: Protecting Your Purchase
Lynda Sanders of Dixon and Sanders Lawyers breaks down the critical legal steps and red flags to watch out for:

The Contract of Sale & Section 32: Why you must have a property lawyer review these documents. Never sign a contract without professional advice, as even a 3-day cooling-off period can cost you 0.2% of the purchase price.

Special Conditions: Understand that "standard contracts" are misleading; the Special Conditions are where buyers often get caught out.

Vendor Statement (Section 32): Learn the vital information that must be included, such as building permits, builder's warranty insurance, and pool compliance certificates. Missing documents can make the buyer liable post-settlement.

PEXA Explained: A clear explanation of the PEXA online platform, where all property transactions, documents (like transfer of land, mortgages), and funds are managed electronically for settlement.

🤝 The Value of Advocacy: Vendor & Buyers Advocates
Cynthia and the experts discuss the role of Metrolinx Property Advisors as both vendor and buyers advocates:

For Buyers: We ensure you are pre-approved and guide you through strategy, inspecting, negotiating, and auctioning—working only for you.

For Sellers (Vendor Advocacy): We act as your project manager, assisting with agent selection, realistic pricing, advertising, and negotiating. This is often a free service as the selling agent pays the advocate's fee (commission sharing).

Selling & Buying Simultaneously: The reality of simultaneous settlements and how your finance needs a clean, unconditional contract on the sale property to formally approve the new purchase loan.

🔑 Key Takeaway: When dealing with property, always prioritise working with qualified professionals who are transparent and conflict-free. Choose experts based on their experience and fit for your specific needs, not just price or a casual referral.

🔗 Connect With Our Guests:
Metrolinx Property Advisors - Cynthia Peretz) - https://metrolinx.com.au/
Attain Loans - Crystal Evans - https://attainloans.com.au/
Dixon and Sanders Lawyers - Lynda Sanders - https://dixonsanders.com.au/

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