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Real Estate FAQs
Buying a property: FAQs
https://www.raywhite.com/property-journey/buy-a-property/buying-a-property-faqs
Sell your property: FAQs
https://www.raywhite.com/property-journey/sell-your-property
Open homes
Do I need to have an open home?
A successful open home could be the key to selling your property. Emotion is just as important as logic when buying, and open homes allows buyers to react emotionally to your home by seeing it for themselves.
Should I attend my own?
Short answer is no. Your presence as the owner may make buyers feel awkward about looking closely at the property.
Presenting your home for the best result
- Spring Clean – Do a thorough clean from the inside, out including walls, windows, skirting boards and every nook and cranny.
- De-clutter – Ridding clutter visibly increases the room size and better showcases the space.
- Faultless – Buyers notice everything. Fix anything that doesn’t work, including doors, windows, light bulbs and taps.
- Create atmosphere – Pay attention to the temperature and make prospectives buyers feel comfortable.
- Neutral environment – Decoration tastes are highly personal and we recommend taking a safe, neutral approach to styling.
Other helpful tips include; Remove pets for open homes, use indoor plants to liven up rooms, setup an oil burner for subtle deodoriser, play contemporary music quietly, brew coffee or bake a cake for a warm entry, make the beds, mow the lawn, weed the garden’s, clean pool etc.
More information can be found on the following website:
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-investment/eight-steps-for-selling-property
Methods of Sale
Auction
Auction method is recommended when:
-Where the aim is to achieve a premium price.
-When it is important to have a set time frame to work with.
-Where the client is comfortable using market demand to help achieve the price.
-For any property in any market where the client is committed to sell.
Auction Frequently asked questions;
Preparing for an Auction, Bidding strategies, how to bid, Auction process, Post Auction questions…
https://www.raywhite.com/property-journey/our-auction-business/auction-faqs
More information can be found on the following websites:
Ray White – https://www.raywhite.com/property-journey/sell-your-property/selling-via-auction
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-sales/the-law-and-authority-of-auctioning-real-property
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-investment/buying-at-auction
Private Treaty
The Private treaty method is recommended for properties:
-Where time of sale is not an issue.
-Where the client is most comfortable with a clear price.
-Where marketing budgets are small.
More information can be found on the following websites:
realestate.com.au – https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/what-is-a-private-treaty-sale-and-how-can-you-buy/
Domain.com.au – https://www.domain.com.au/guides/what-are-the-different-ways-to-sell-a-house-758477/
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-investment/eight-steps-for-selling-property
Expressions of Interest
Things to know:
–Ideal for unique properties which are not directly comparable to many other recent local sales
–Properties likely to attract specific buyers
–Properties unlikely to attract the broad number of purchasers required for an auction sale, yet similar to an auction campaign there is still competitive pressure to act within a certain time frame.
–Less than 10% of all properties are sold via Expressions of interest
More information can be found on the following website:
realestate.com – https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/house-sale-options/
Pool Safety Laws
The swimming pool safety standard is designed to minimise the chance that young children can get into the pool area unsupervised. In Queensland, any pool or spa capable of holding 300 mm of water must comply with the state’s pool safety standard. When buying, selling, or leasing a property, the pool must be registered on the Queensland Pool Safety Register
More information can be found on the following websites:
QLD Government – https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/pool-safety/pool-laws-and-standards/laws
Sunshine Coast Council – https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/development/building/swimming-pools
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-management/pool-safety-get-to-know-the-pool-rules
QBCC – https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/home-owner-hub/swimming-pools/pool-safety-standard
Safety Switch
After buying a new home, it’s important to complete the following steps to ensure safety and compliance. A safety switch detects faults in electrical devices and disconnects power to the affected circuits to avoid an electric shock.
Safety switches have been mandatory for all new built or extended homes in Queensland since 1992. If you buy an older property that doesn’t have a safety switch, you must install one for the power point circuits within 3 months of the property transfer. This is required for all transfers of domestic premises.
My responsibility as a Seller – Primary requirement is to disclosure. You must officially declare whether a safety switch is installed for the general-purpose socket-outlets on both the standard sales contract
My responsibility as a Buyer – is legally obligated to install safety switches on all power point circuits within three months of settlement.
More information can be found on the following websites:
QLD Government – https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions
QLD Government – https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/advice-buying-home/tips-for-new-home-owners/early-responsibilities
Smoke Alarms
Check your smoke alarms comply with the law. New smoke alarm laws came into effect in Queensland on 1 January 2017. They include changes to smoke alarm requirements in residential dwellings. These requirements will be phased in over the next 10 years.
All new and substantially renovated homes with building applications submitted on or after 1 January 2017 must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed. They must be compliant with Australian Standard 3786:2014. The smoke alarms must be installed: in every bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms, on each level of the home. If you replace a smoke alarm, you must replace it with a compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm.
From 1 January 2022, these requirements will apply to all houses leased and sold
From 1 January 2027, they will apply to all homes.
My responsibility as a Seller – When selling a property in Queensland, you are legally required to ensure the home is fully compliant with QFES smoke alarm legislation before settlement.
My responsibility as a Buyer – As a buyer in Queensland, your immediate requirement is to ensure the seller has met their strict legal obligations and rectify immediacy if necessary.
More information can be found on the following websites:
QLD Government – https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/advice-buying-home/tips-for-new-home-owners/early-responsibilities
Buying and installing smoke alarms – https://www.qld.gov.au/community/fair-trading/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/buying-products-and-services/buying-products/buying-smoke-alarms
Sellers Disclosure Scheme
From 1 August 2025, the Sellers Disclosure (Form 2) is a form designed to give a buyer information that is required under the seller disclosure scheme. It is designed to enhance transparency, reduce contract disputes, and ensure that buyers receive vital information about a property before entering into a contract. The disclosure statement must contain accurate and current information relating to the property, we recommend you contact your solicitor to prepare this package for your property.
More information can be found on the following websites:
QLD Government – https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/seller-disclosure-scheme
Ray White – https://www.raywhite.com/seller-disclosure
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-sales/new-seller-disclosure-regime-in-queensland
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance
From 1 July 2026, all real estate agencies across Australia will be required to conduct anti-money laundering checks on buyers and sellers of property, long-term leases, and anyone else who receives ‘designated services’ in order to identify the ownership behind clients. This includes companies, individuals, trusts, etc. Agencies are required by law (AML/CTF Act 2006) to conduct identity verification on all relevant individuals.
More information can be found on the following website:
Ray White – https://www.raywhite.com/anti-money-laundering-compliance
Real Estate Terms Explained
Appraisal
An estimation of the sale price of a property. Appraisals are compiled by real estate salespeople and agents, generally at no charge. At Ray White Caloundra, we provide free, no-obligation property appraisals for homeowners across Caloundra and surrounding Sunshine Coast suburbs. Click here and complete the form and we will arrange a detailed property appraisal for you by one of our friendly local agents.
Ray White Caloundra – https://raywhitecaloundra.com.au/sell/property-appraisal
Chattels defined
Freestanding movable items are called chattels and they can be included; however, they must be noted in the contract of sale. Pool and spa equipment, potted plants and washing machines are good examples of chattels and should be disclosed separately on the contract of sale.
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-investment/eight-steps-for-buying-property
Fixtures defined
In general terms, fixtures are defined as anything on the property that is ‚’screwed in‚’ ‘glued on,’ ‘nailed on‚’ ‘bolted on‚’or ‘plumbed in‚’ to the structures of the property.
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-investment/eight-steps-for-buying-property
Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of a property’s title from the seller to the buyer and is a vital part of buying a house. It is important that buyers research who they wish to use for conveyancing when they have a contract of sale. It is recommended the use of a qualified solicitor for any property matter, including conveyancing.
REIQ – https://www.reiq.com/articles/property-investment/eight-steps-for-buying-property
Stamp Duty
When you buy, sell or transfer property in Queensland, you may be required to pay a form of tax called ‘transfer duty’ (previously known as ‘stamp duty’).
QLD Government – https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/home-buyers-financial-help/transfer-duty
Title Search
Shows current owners of a lot, lessees of a state lease or holders of a water allocation and other registered interests, including mortgages, easements, covenants, leases and caveats.
Titles Queensland – https://www.titlesqld.com.au/title-searches/
Vendor
Owner of a property.
For a comprehensive list please go to – https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/property-glossary-and-abbreviations-in-australia/
If have any questions you would like to ask please reach out below and one of our friendly agents to get back to you.
Resources
Office of Fair Trading – QLD Government https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/about-us/services/fair-trading
Property Industry Regulation https://www.qld.gov.au/community/fair-trading/regulated-industries-licensing-and-legislation/property-industry-regulation
Ray White – https://www.raywhite.com/news-and-market-insights/news-media/essential-open-home-faqs-answered
QLD Government – https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home
Disclaimer: The questions in this post relate to Queensland real estate. We compiled this information from the resources listed above to the best of our ability. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional real estate advice. Because property laws and regulations change frequently, you should always consult a qualified professional before making any real estate decisions.