Why do you need a Settlement Agent?

<body stylesrc="settle-bod.html" background="images/ins-back.gif" bgcolor="#C0C0C0" text="#000000" link="#800000" vlink="#808080"> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><strong>What does a settlement agent do?</strong></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">A settlement agent attends to the important final stage in the sale or purchase of a property, which involves the orderly transfer of the legal title from the seller (vendor) to the buyer (purchaser). The balance of the purchase price is paid and any other outstanding matters are attended to.</font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">Some of the functions of the settlement agent are:-</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">searching land titles and checking encumbrances</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">arranging for the discharge of encumbrances</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">inquiring with local council and government departments about rates, taxes and water consumption so that payment for the current year is shared between the purchaser and vendor, and each authority is notified of the change in ownership.</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">preparing the legal documents for settlement.</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">ensuring special conditions relating to the contract have been attended to</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">arranging payment of stamp duty and other fees</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">attending settlement on behalf of the client, where the exchange of documents and purchase monies takes place</font></li> </ul> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><strong>Are you aware that you have the right to choose your own settlement agency?</strong></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial">Your settlement agent will be dealing with the transfer of one of your most valuable assets, so it is important that you select an independent settlement agent who:-</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">acts in your best interests at all times;</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">provides value for money; and</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">delivers exceptional service</font></li> </ul> <p align="center"><a href="settlement.html" target="_top" style="text-decoration: none"><font size="1" face="Arial">WHY YOU NEED A SETTLEMENT AGENT</font></a><font size="1" face="Arial"> | </font><a href="about.html" target="_top" style="text-decoration: none"><font size="1" face="Arial">ABOUT US</font></a><font size="1" face="Arial"> | </font><a href="calculator.html" target="_top" style="text-decoration: none"><font size="1" face="Arial">FEE CALCULATOR</font></a><font size="1" face="Arial"><br> </font><a href="membership.html" target="_top" style="text-decoration: none"><font size="1" face="Arial">VALUED CLIENT MEMBERSHIP</font></a><font size="1" face="Arial"> | </font><a href="contact.html" target="_top" style="text-decoration: none"><font size="1" face="Arial">CONTACT US</font></a><font size="1" face="Arial"><br> </font><a href="http://www.upnaway.com" target="_top" style="text-decoration: none"><font size="1" face="Arial">© designed and created by</font></a><font size="1" face="Arial"><br> </font><a href="http://www.upnaway.com" target="_top" style="text-decoration: none"><font size="1" face="Arial">Advantage Settlements and Up 'n' Away Net Solutions</font></a></p> </body>