Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start the process of buying a property?

The first step is understanding your budget and obtaining finance pre-approval if required. From there, we can help you identify suitable properties, arrange inspections, negotiate on your behalf and guide you through to settlement.

How much deposit do I need to buy a home?

Most lenders require a deposit of at least 5–20% of the purchase price, depending on your circumstances. A larger deposit may reduce borrowing costs and avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

Do I need pre-approval before looking at properties?

While not essential, finance pre-approval gives you confidence in your budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer, making the purchasing process smoother.

What costs are involved when buying a property?

In addition to the purchase price, buyers should allow for stamp duty (where applicable), legal or conveyancing fees, building and pest inspections, loan establishment fees and moving costs.

How long does it take to buy a property?

Every purchase is different, but once an offer is accepted, settlement generally occurs within 30 to 90 days, depending on the contract.

What happens after my offer is accepted?

Contracts are signed, finance and inspections are finalised (if applicable), your deposit is paid, and your solicitor or conveyancer manages the process until settlement.

Should I buy at auction or by private treaty?

Both methods have advantages. Auctions suit competitive markets, while private treaty allows more flexibility with negotiations and contract conditions.

Can you help me find off-market properties?

Yes. We work closely with sellers and industry contacts and may be able to introduce you to properties before they are publicly advertised.

How do I know if a property is priced fairly?

We provide market insights and comparable sales data to help you understand a property’s market value before making an offer.

What should I look for during an inspection?

Pay attention to the property’s condition, layout, natural light, maintenance requirements, surrounding area and any signs of structural issues or water damage.

What building and pest inspections should I arrange?

We recommend arranging independent building and pest inspections before committing to a purchase so you’re aware of any hidden issues.

Can I make an offer subject to finance?

Yes, if the property is being sold by private treaty. Finance clauses are generally not available when purchasing at auction.

What is settlement and how long does it take?

Settlement is the legal transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It usually takes place 30–90 days after contracts are exchanged.

Can first home buyers receive any grants or concessions?

Depending on your eligibility and the property you’re purchasing, you may qualify for government grants or stamp duty concessions. We can help point you in the right direction.

How can realCLEAR help me buy the right property?

We provide honest advice, local market knowledge, skilled negotiation and personalised guidance from your first inspection through to settlement.

How much is my property worth?

Your property’s value depends on factors such as location, size, condition, recent comparable sales and current market conditions. We offer professional appraisals to provide an accurate estimate.

How do you determine my property's value?

We assess comparable recent sales, buyer demand, property features, location and current market trends to determine a realistic market value.

When is the best time to sell?

The best time depends on your personal circumstances and local market conditions. We can advise on the ideal timing to maximise your result.

Should I renovate before selling?

Not always. Simple improvements such as painting, landscaping, decluttering and minor repairs often provide better value than major renovations.

How do I prepare my home for sale?

Present your property at its best by decluttering, cleaning thoroughly, completing minor repairs and ensuring it is well presented for photography and inspections.

What marketing is included in your sales campaigns?

We tailor every campaign to suit your property and may include professional photography, online advertising, social media marketing, premium property portals, signage and our buyer database.

How long does it usually take to sell a property?

This varies depending on market conditions, pricing and buyer demand. Many properties sell within several weeks, while others may take longer.

Should I sell by auction or private treaty?

We will recommend the most suitable method based on your property, local market conditions and your goals.

What are the costs of selling a property?

Typical costs include agent commission, marketing expenses, conveyancing or legal fees and any preparation or styling costs.

How much are your commission fees?

Our commission is tailored to each property and marketing strategy. We’ll provide a clear, transparent proposal before you decide to list with us.

How long is the settlement period?

Most settlements occur within 30 to 90 days, although this can be negotiated between the buyer and seller.

Can I sell my investment property with tenants in place?

Yes. Many investment properties are successfully sold with existing tenants. We’ll discuss the best strategy based on your circumstances.

Why should I choose realCLEAR to sell my property?

We combine personalised service, strategic marketing, honest communication and skilled negotiation to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

What makes realCLEAR different from other agencies?

We focus on clear communication, tailored marketing, innovative technology and genuine client relationships, ensuring you receive a professional and transparent experience from start to finish.

How do I apply for a rental property?

Simply attend an inspection or enquire online, then submit your rental application with the required supporting documents.

What documents do I need to apply?

Most applications require photo identification, proof of income, rental history and personal or professional references.

How much bond do I need to pay?

The bond is generally equivalent to four weeks’ rent and is lodged with the relevant state authority.

How long does the application process take?

Applications are usually processed within one to three business days, depending on how quickly references and supporting information are received.

Can I inspect a property before applying?

Yes. We encourage all prospective tenants to inspect a property before submitting an application whenever possible.

What happens after my application is approved?

You’ll be contacted to sign the lease, pay your bond and initial rent, and arrange collection of the keys before moving in.

When do I pay my first rent payment?

Your first rent payment is generally due before you collect the keys, along with your bond.

Can I have pets in the property?

Pet approvals depend on the property owner and current tenancy legislation. Please discuss your pet with us when applying.

Who do I contact for maintenance requests?

You can contact our property management team, who will coordinate repairs with the property owner and qualified tradespeople.

How do I renew my lease?

We’ll contact you before your lease expires to discuss renewal options with both you and the property owner.

What happens at the end of my lease?

You may choose to renew, move to a periodic tenancy if agreed, or vacate the property following the required notice period.

Can I end my lease early?

Yes, although fees or compensation may apply depending on your lease agreement and state legislation.

What utilities am I responsible for?

Tenants are generally responsible for electricity, gas, internet and other connected services, while water charges depend on the tenancy agreement and local legislation.

What should I do before moving out?

Clean the property thoroughly, complete any agreed repairs, return all keys and ensure the property is left in accordance with your lease agreement.

Property Management Long Term Rentals

Why should I use a property manager?

A professional property manager saves you time by handling tenant enquiries, inspections, rent collection, maintenance and day-to-day management while helping protect your investment.

How do you find quality tenants?

We advertise your property widely, carefully screen every applicant, verify references and assess rental history to help secure reliable long-term tenants.

How do you market my rental property?

We advertise your property on Australia’s leading rental websites, promote it through our own marketing channels and conduct inspections to attract quality tenants quickly.

How much does property management cost?

Management fees vary depending on the services required. We’ll provide a clear, transparent fee proposal with no hidden surprises.

How is rent collected?

We provide secure payment options for tenants and monitor rental payments to ensure rent is received on time.

How often are routine inspections carried out?

Routine inspections are conducted in accordance with NSW legislation and your management agreement, allowing us to monitor the property’s condition and identify maintenance early.

What happens if a tenant falls behind on rent?

We follow a structured arrears process, communicate with the tenant promptly and take the appropriate action in accordance with NSW tenancy legislation.

How do you handle maintenance requests?

Tenants can report maintenance directly to us. We coordinate qualified tradespeople, obtain owner approval where required and ensure repairs are completed efficiently.

Will I be informed about what's happening with my property?

Yes. We keep you updated with regular communication, inspection reports, maintenance updates and any important tenancy matters.

Can I approve maintenance before work begins?

Yes. For non-urgent repairs, we seek your approval before proceeding unless you’ve authorised us to act within an agreed spending limit.

What happens when a tenant moves out?

We conduct a final inspection, compare the property against the original condition report, arrange any necessary cleaning or repairs and begin marketing the property for new tenants.

How often will my property be inspected?

We carry out regular routine inspections throughout the tenancy and provide detailed reports with photos so you can stay informed about your property’s condition.

Can you manage investment properties even if I live interstate or overseas?

Absolutely. Many of our clients live elsewhere. We manage every aspect of the tenancy and keep you informed through regular communication and detailed reporting.

How quickly can you lease my property?

The timeframe depends on market conditions, pricing and presentation. Our goal is always to minimise vacancy by marketing your property effectively and responding promptly to enquiries.

Why choose realCLEAR to manage my investment property?

We focus on proactive communication, quality tenant selection, professional marketing and attentive property management, helping you maximise returns while protecting your investment.

Holiday Home Management

How does holiday home management work?

We take care of every aspect of your holiday rental, from marketing and guest communication to bookings, check-ins, cleaning coordination and ongoing management. Our goal is to maximise your property’s income while providing a seamless experience for both you and your guests.

Which booking platforms do you list on?

We can advertise your property across leading booking platforms, including Airbnb, Booking.com and other major holiday accommodation websites, as well as the realCLEAR website for additional exposure.

Do you advertise my property on the realCLEAR website?

Yes. Your holiday home can be featured on the realCLEAR website, giving you another avenue to attract direct bookings and increase visibility.

Can I still use my holiday home whenever I want?

Absolutely. You simply block out the dates you wish to stay, and we’ll ensure your property is unavailable for bookings during those periods.

How do you maximise my bookings?

We combine professional marketing, strategic pricing, high-quality photography, broad online exposure and responsive guest communication to help maximise occupancy and revenue throughout the year.

Who responds to guest enquiries?

Our team manages all guest enquiries, answering questions promptly and assisting guests from the initial enquiry through to check-out.

Who responds to guest enquiries?

Our team manages all guest enquiries, answering questions promptly and assisting guests from the initial enquiry through to check-out.

How do you manage guest check-ins and check-outs?

We coordinate the entire arrival and departure process, ensuring guests receive clear instructions and enjoy a smooth check-in and check-out experience.

Who organises cleaning between guests?

We arrange professional cleaning and property preparation between every stay, helping maintain a consistently high standard for incoming guests.

What happens if maintenance is required?

If maintenance issues arise, we coordinate trusted local tradespeople and keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring problems are resolved quickly and efficiently.

How do you set the nightly rates?

We monitor market trends, local demand, seasonal events and comparable properties to recommend competitive pricing that helps maximise both occupancy and returns.

How do I receive my rental income?

Rental income is paid directly to you after each booking cycle, less any agreed management fees and approved expenses.

What if a guest damages my property?

If damage occurs, we document the issue, communicate with the guest and booking platform where applicable, and assist with arranging repairs as quickly as possible.

Do I need insurance for my holiday home?

Yes. We recommend that every holiday home owner has appropriate building, contents and short-term rental insurance to protect their investment.

Can you organise professional photography?

Yes. Professional photography is one of the most effective ways to attract more bookings, and we can arrange high-quality images that showcase your property.

Can you help market my holiday home?

Absolutely. We promote properties through leading booking platforms, the realCLEAR website, digital marketing and social media to maximise exposure.

Why should I choose realCLEAR to manage my holiday home?

We provide personalised service, proactive communication, expert marketing and comprehensive management, giving you confidence that your investment is in experienced hands.