Making an Offer on a Property: Key Steps to Protect Yourself

When you're ready to make an offer on a house, preparation and clarity are essential. Whether you're a first home buyer in WA or an experienced investor, these tips will help protect your interests during the property purchase process.

1. Let the Agent Know You've Been Pre-Assessed

Before submitting your offer, inform the real estate agent that you’ve already been assessed by a mortgage broker. This shows you’re a serious buyer with the financial capacity to proceed. You’re welcome to share my contact details with the agent—I'm happy to confirm that you've been assessed for home loan borrowing capacity.Rest assured, I will not disclose your financial details or your maximum purchase price—only whether your borrowing power supports the price you're offering.

2. Ask for the Draft Contract Before Signing

Always request the contract of sale (draft) before you sign. This gives us time to review the terms and clarify any concerns. Here are some specific clauses to watch closely when buying property in Western Australia:

• Settlement Date

I recommend setting settlement for 21 days after finance approval. Keep in mind, delays beyond this timeframe may result in penalties. Talk to your settlement agent about timing.

• Finance Clause

Set the finance clause to 21 days from the contract acceptance date. This should align with your chosen lender’s Service Level Agreement (SLA), giving enough time for full loan approval.

• Structural & Pest Inspections

Schedule building and pest inspections for 10 days after finance approval, not right after the contract is signed.Although optional, these property inspections are highly recommended. They help identify any major structural defects before it's too late. If significant issues are found, the seller can either agree to cover the repairs or cancel the contract and return your deposit.Failing to do inspections—or doing them too late—could mean losing your right to withdraw without penalty.

3. How Much Should You Pay as a Deposit?

In Western Australia property purchases, there is no legal minimum deposit. However, deposits typically range between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on the property's value and the expectations of the seller or real estate agent. It can go higher depending on market demand.

4. Consider a Special Condition for Offer Validity

You can include a clause like:“This offer is valid for 72 hours.”

In WA, there’s no legal timeframe in which the seller must respond. Including a time limit for property offers ensures you’re not stuck waiting indefinitely—especially useful when dealing with FIFO property sellers.If the offer is accepted after you've lost interest and this clause wasn’t included, you could be forced to go ahead or lose your property deposit.

5. Title Check

Always request a copy of the Certificate of Title and send it to your settlement agent in WA. This helps identify any encumbrances, caveats, or easements that could affect your ownership rights or property use.

6. Property Chattels – Get It in Writing

If any items (like appliances, sheds, or air conditioners) are to remain with the home, they must be listed in the chattels section of the contract. Otherwise, sellers may legally remove them—even if you saw them during inspections.

Final Tip:Buying a home involves more than just agreeing on a price. Being informed and proactive about your offer strategy and contract conditions helps avoid costly surprises.

If you're about to make an offer and want guidance from a broker who understands the full process, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you make confident decisions throughout your home buying journey.

Give us a call if you need some help.

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