Items to check before you sign an offer and acceptance contract

• Check the walls for cracks or dampness. If you have any concerns ensure that your contract is made subject to you obtaining a building inspection report and bring these concerns to the attention of the building inspector.
• Are all the plumbing, electrical and gas appliances working? - check them. If something does not work make the contract conditional upon the Seller fixing the items at least three days prior to Settlement. You can then check these items at your presettlement inspection.
• Look under furniture, behind wall units, inside cupboards, check all the doors and windows.
• If there are security doors or window locks make sure the owner has all the keys.
• Is the home secured by a monitored alarm system? - get the details.
• Have there been any recent renovations and if so, did the owner get council approval? Make enquiries with the local government authority.
• Is the property connected to sewer?
• Are there any septics on the property that are not decommissioned?

Take the time to have a good look BEFORE you sign a contract, that way there shouldn't be any last minute surprises. Also see Handy Hints for Buyers under the heading Looking for a property for further advice on what to do if problems are detected at your first inspection and how these are best dealt with at the time the Contract is signed, NOT after

Use the elements listed under "formulating special conditions" to assist you in drafting special conditions to deal with any matters that arise out of your first inspection. Get it right the first time!!