Agreed – you should have gotten insurance straight away. This would apply if you were buying a regular non-DeptOfHousing property too.
I am surprised your solicitor didn't advise you to do so….
May I ask about the extent of the vandalism/damage? Is it graffiti that can be sorted out with cleaning products and a bit of paint, or has the building been damaged? Basically I am asking "how much damage… how much will it cost to repair". If it is say $1000, cop it on the chin and remember that long term the property will serve you well financially. If it is $50k damage, maybe ask your solicitor if you can get out of the sale. Depending on the damage bill it might be cheaper to sacrifice your $10k deposit and walk away!
Jacqui Middleton | Middleton Buyers Advocates
http://www.middletonbuyersadvocates.com.au
Email Me | Phone MeVIC Buyers' Agents for investors, home buyers & SMSFs.
Hi All,
Just wondering how get list of Dept. of housing houses available for sale
Your kind assistance will be much appreciated, I am looking to buy housing property don know how to find what's available.
Unable to find any info.on housing website.
Kind regards,
Haris Ghori
In each area there will be an agent that auctions the DOH houses. Just ask an agent in the areas who does them. Or look on RE.com. When you see one (most are quite obvious by the photos) look who the agent is and look up their website. In Mt Druitt it is Richardson and Wrench Mt Druitt.
Silly question but did you take out insurance on the property the moment you signed the contract. You have an 'insurable interest' and would have got insurance in a heartbeat.
You must get at least a 'cover note' that covers you for the first 2 weeks (to allow you to shop around to get better quotes) at no initial cost. This can be done with a simple phone call to any insurance firm or broker.
If you have got this insurance, claim against them.
As for the Department of Housing, you do need a lawyer. Make sure he claims that the property you are buying is now 'substancially different' from what you have contracted to buy.
It may appear that they have also failed to properly secure the property.
Not sure which state you are in but some states allow for a 'cooling off' period so read your contract and make an IMMEDIATE withdrawal from the contract in writing (Email, fax and letter-cover all bases) if this option is available to you.
If you are forced to complete the contract, you will have been given the right to conduct an 'entry inspection' prior to completing settelement. This allows both parties to inspect the property to ensure that all is still in order. A typicial case would be that the old owners have removed the water heater, taken the pool cleaning system, taken up all the carpets, removed the fitted carpets kicked in all the doors in the house or painted slogans all over the walls (I assume similar to your case). This allows you to holt the transfer until these items are fixed by the owner at their cost.
I also assume that you had a 'subject to finance' clause' in your contract (please tell you did). If you have and you have made every reasonable effort to get finance ('on terms acceptable to yourself, via a named bank'-make sure you have that as a condition) then you can avoid the contract if that named bank states (in writing) that finance is not forthcoming either in its current altered state or at all.
I hope this assists.
Thank You
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