At Westcoast Raine & Horne Rural, we’re driven by connection and community. From wide-open paddocks to small-town main streets, we work alongside buyers and sellers across the state to make every property transition as smooth and stress free as possible.
Buying a home is a major decision - one that comes with questions, paperwork and a lot of moving parts. With local knowledge, practical experience and a commitment to honest, reliable service, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
We believe real estate isn’t just about property - it’s about people, choices and new chapters. That’s why we’re here to help you move forward with confidence, backed by a team that genuinely understands what matters to you.
Here’s how we help buyers like you:
• Clear, informed communication - so you always know what’s next and what to expect.
• Trusted local insight - helping you make confident, well-informed decisions.
• Support with contracts and compliance - guiding you through each stage of the buying process.
• Coordinating with your chosen professionals - we’ll liaise with your settlement agent, inspector or broker to help things run smoothly.
At Westcoast Raine & Horne Rural, we’re not just helping you into a new property - we’re here to help you feel right at home in your decision.
Introducing Sam & Taila Wakefield
Bringing together rural expertise, real estate passion and a genuine connection to the land, Sam and Taila Wakefield are a dynamic team delivering a fresh, honest approach to both rural and residential property sales in Esperance and surrounding areas
With a strong background in agriculture and livestock, Sam offers valuable insight into the needs of farming clients and understands the unique characteristics that make rural properties special. His practical knowledge of the land, combined with a people first mindset, ensures that buyers and sellers alike receive honest advice and tailored support throughout the sales process.
Taila complements Sam’s experience with a fresh perspective and creative approach to marketing. Coming from a family involved in the construction industry, she brings a keen eye for presentation and a natural talent for highlighting the unique charm of each property – skills that shine particularly in residential real estate. Her approachable nature and commitment to client service make her an asset to every transaction.
Together, Sam and Taila provide a well-rounded and family friendly service that blends rural insight, creative strategy and clear communication. Their clients benefit from a collaborative, down to earth approach that puts people at the heart of every property journey.
Outside of work, Sam and Taila are proud parents to three energetic boys. They love exploring the Esperance coastline, spending time outdoors and staying active in their local community.
Whether buying or selling, clients can trust the Wakefield’s to deliver reliable advice, strong results and a genuine commitment to helping them achieve their property goals – across both rural and residential markets.
Rural & Residential Property Consultants
Sam Wakefield
0436 308 970
sam.wakefield@ruralwa.rh.com.au
Taila Wakefield
0474 006 646
taila.wakefield@ruralwa.rh.com.au
Understanding the buying process
Congratulations on having your offer accepted! This is an exciting step toward owning your new property.
From this point forward, there are a number of important tasks and timelines to keep in mind. Each stage - from finance approval to final inspection and settlement plays a key role in ensuring a smooth and successful purchase.
This section outlines what to expect, what’s required and how we’ll support you along the way, so you can move through the process with confidence and clarity.
1. 2. Offer accepted Notify your broker
Once the contract has been signed by all parties, our Sales Administrator will process the documentation and provide a copy to all parties. You’ll also receive a summary of key dates, including deadlines for finance approval, special conditions and settlement.
If you’re working with a finance broker, please provide them with a copy of the fully signed offer and acceptance contract as soon as possible. This allows them to begin the finance approval process without delay.
3. Appoint your settlement agent
It’s important to appoint a settlement agent as soon as possible to help facilitate the transfer process and avoid delays.
Once appointed, please email their company name, contact person, email address and phone number to Sam and Taila. We will then forward a copy of your signed Offer & Acceptance, along with any other relevant documentation to your settlement agent.
4. Pay the deposit
In accordance with the contract, you are required to transfer the deposit to the Westcoast Rural Pty Ltd Trust Account. Please note that, under legislation, all trust accounts are non-interest bearing.
When transferring funds electronically, include your full name and the property address in the payment description to help us accurately identify your deposit.
Trust Account Details:
Westcoast Rural Pty Ltd Trust Account
BSB: 066-000
Account Number: 1319 8318
5. Secure finance approval
Once you receive formal finance approval from your bank or broker, please email a copy of the approval letter to Sam and Taila as soon as possible.
It’s important that Sam and Taila receive the letter on the same day as the date written on the approval letter, or as close to that date as possible. This is because the settlement date is often calculated from the approval letter’s date, not from when you receive or forward it.
Sam and Taila will then notify the seller and both settlement agents promptly to keep everything moving on track.
6. Satisfy special conditions
Typical special conditions include a building inspection and a pest inspection, as outlined in your contract.
Please arrange for a qualified contractor to complete the required inspections. Once you have chosen your contractor, ask them to contact Sam and Taila directly to arrange access to the property.
When you receive the inspection reports, please email them to Sam and Taila. They will forward copies to both settlement agents for record keeping.
Please note: If the reports are not provided by 4:00 pm on the due date, the condition will be deemed waived and you may lose the right to raise any issues.
After reviewing the reports, please email your written approval of the results to both Sam and Taila and your settlement agent. If you have any concerns about the contents of the reports, contact Sam and Taila immediately to discuss next steps.
7. Attend final inspection
Approximately one week prior to settlement, a final inspection of the property will be conducted by you and Sam and Taila.
The purpose and scope of this inspection will depend on whether a Standard Conditions Annexure is attached to the contract. For further clarification, please refer to page 7 of this booklet.
At the conclusion of the inspection, you will be asked to complete and sign a Notification of Final Inspection form, confirming one of the following:
• you are satisfied that all items are in working order, or
• you have identified items that are not in working order and are requesting that the seller rectify them prior to settlement.
Once signed, this form must be returned to Sam and Taila, who will forward it to the settlement agents.
Please note: Unless otherwise stated in the contract, the property is sold in the same condition as when you initially inspected it.
Provided that all contract terms and conditions have been met, the Joint Form Of General Conditions entitles you to receive the keys at settlement.
However, if the seller occupies the property as their principal place of residence immediately prior to settlement, they are legally permitted to remain in the property until 12 noon on the day following settlement. In this case, keys will not be available until that time.
Sam and Taila will keep you informed and confirm when the keys are ready for collection.
What is a final inspection and how does it apply?
In accordance with the 2022 Joint Form of General Conditions (Clause 5:1 Right to inspect), the buyer is entitled to inspect the property prior to settlement to ensure that the seller has complied with their obligations under the contract.
The purpose and scope of this inspection will depend on whether a Standard Conditions Annexure is attached to the contract:
a) If NO ‘Standard Conditions’ Annexure is attached:
The buyer may inspect the property to confirm that it has been maintained in the same condition as when it was last viewed. No further obligations apply to gas, plumbing or electrical items unless otherwise agreed.
b) If a ‘Standard Conditions’ Annexure IS attached:
The buyer may carry out the inspection above and confirm that all gas, electrical and plumbing items are in working order, as specified in the annexure.
If any of these items are found to be defective or in need of repair:
- The seller must repair them at their own expense before settlement, in a proper and workmanlike manner.
- If an item cannot be repaired, the seller must replace it - also at their own expenseusing a product of equivalent quality and in good working condition.
- Alternatively, compensation may be negotiated and agreed upon in writing.
Under Clause 5:1, the buyer is also entitled to one further inspection prior to settlement to confirm that any previous identified issues have been rectified.
In summary:
The final inspection gives you the opportunity to ensure the property is in the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it - and, if applicable, that all gas, electrical and plumbing items are in working order as required by the contract.
Final inspection checklist
Gas
gas bayonets
gas hot water system
gas oven
gas stove top
Electrical
airconditioning (including all vents and remotes)
dishwasher / washing machine / clothes dryer (if included in the sale)
electric hot water system
electric oven
electric stove top
fans (ceiling fans and exhaust fans)
lights, including exterior (if a globe has blown it must be replaced)
power point outlets (including those hidden behind furniture and located outside)
security alarm system
other items (any electrical appliances that are being sold with the house e.g. fridge, washing machine)
Solar
solar panels and inverters (where installed)
solar hot water system
Plumbing
reticulation water mains / bore and sprinklers
swimming pool / spa (including filter and equipment)
water supply pipes and taps (any water leaks to be repaired)
waste water plumbing (including toilet cisterns)
effluent disposal systems and (where installed) septic tanks and leach drains
Other
blinds / curtains (check all working)
doors / windows (opening and closing smoothly)
locks
manuals (please leave any manuals that you have for items in your home)
Common questions from buyers
What is the Joint Form of General Conditions?
The Joint Form of General Conditions for the Sale of Land (JFOGC) is a standard legal document that forms part of your Contract for Sale. It sets out additional terms that apply to the transaction, in addition to the conditions written into the Offer and Acceptance form.
These general conditions are designed to clarify common legal matters relating to the contract, the property and the settlement process, helping to reduce the risk of disputes between buyers and sellers.
What are the legal requirements for RCDs and smoke alarms?
Under Western Australian legislation introduced in 2009, sellers of residential properties are legally required to ensure that the property has:
• At least two Residual Current Devices (RCDs) installed, and
• Hard wired smoke alarms
These safety devices must be installed before the settlement date
An exemption may apply if the buyer intends to demolish the property. In this case a demolition date must be formally nominated and it must occur within six months of the settlement date.
To confirm compliance, the seller must provide an electrical safety certificate completed by a licensed electrician. This certificate will be given to the settlement agents as proof that the property meets legal requirements.
Where is my deposit held and what happens to it?
Your deposit is held securely in the Westcoast Rural Pty Ltd Trust Account, which is a noninterest bearing account, as required by legislation.
The deposit remains in the trust account until settlement day. On that day, your lender will transfer the remaining purchase funds (excluding the deposit already paid) directly to the seller’s bank account.
Westcoast Raine & Horne Rural WA will retain the portion of the deposit that covers the seller’s agreed commission. If the deposit exceeds the commission amount, the balance will be transferred to the seller at settlement.
What if my finance isn’t approved on time?
If finance approval is not obtained by the due date stated in the contract, the contract will remain in full effect unless one of the following occurs:
• The seller terminates the contract by giving written notice to the buyer, or
• The buyer terminates the contract by issuing a Non-Approval Notice to the seller.
If your finance approval is delayed, Sam and Taila can request an extension of the finance deadline on your behalf. This extension must be mutually agreed to and signed by both parties (buyer and seller) before the original finance deadline expires.
To avoid complications, let Sam and Taila know as early as possible if your bank needs more time.
What is considered a major structural defect? What if a major structural defect is found?
A major structural defect refers to a fault or failure in a key structural element of the building that affects its intended structural performance. These defects are serious enough that repairs must be carried out to prevent:
• Unsafe living conditions
• Loss of function or utility, or
• Further deterioration of the building’s structure
Examples of structural elements include the foundation, load bearing walls, beams and structural framing.
It’s important to note that non-structural issues are not considered major structural defects. These include:
• General wear and tear and minor issues such as rusting, spalling or fretting
Can I move into the property before settlement?
In short, we strongly advise against moving into the property before settlement
While early possession may seem convenient, it carries significant legal and practical risks for both parties. These can include:
• Insurance complications - if something is damaged or goes wrong before settlement, responsibility may be unclear.
• Disputes over property condition - issues discovered after moving in can complicate final inspection outcomes.
• Settlement delays - unexpected changes in finance or contract conditions can put you at risk if you’ve already moved in.
For these reasons, early possession is not included in standard contracts and is rarely agreed to by sellers.
We recommend planning your move after settlement has been completed to ensure a clean, stress free handover of the property.
If your building inspection report identifies a major structural defect and your contract is subject to a building inspection clause, you may be entitled to request that the seller rectify the defect prior to settlement.
To do this, you’ll need to:
1. Provide a copy of the inspection report to Sam and Taila by the due date specified in the contract.
2. Clearly identify the item(s) that meet the definition of a major structural defect.
The seller may then choose to:
• Complete the necessary repair work at their expense, or
• Negotiate an alternative outcome, such as compensation (subject to agreement).
If no agreement is reached and the defect meets the conditions definition, the buyer may have the right to terminate the contract without penalty, provided all timelines and notice requirements have been met.
What are the consequences of a delayed settlement?
Both the buyer and seller are allowed a three business day grace period after the scheduled settlement date for settlement to be completed.
If settlement is delayed beyond this grace period, the party responsible for the delay (whether the buyer or seller) must pay interest to the other party at settlement. This interest applies to:
1. The outstanding balance of the purchase price, and
2. Any other amounts payable at settlement.
The interest:
• Is calculated at the Prescribed Rate
• Applies from (and including) the original settlement date up to (but not including) the actual date settlement occurs.
• Is considered to be in full satisfaction of any claims relating to the delay
Please note: Real estate agents do not calculate or collect these penalty amounts. This is managed by the nominated settlement agents for each party.
