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Frequently Asked Questions

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General

Where Do Wellington & Reeves Operate?

We’re proudly based in the heart of Albany, with branch offices in Mount Barker and Denmark. We service the entire Great Southern region and offer a full range of services, including residential, rural and commercial sales, as well as residential and commercial property management. Wherever you are in the region, chances are we’ve got it covered.

Yes, it’s a fantastic place to live or invest in property. Albany and the Great Southern offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle, beautiful countryside, and a strong sense of community. It’s only 5 hours from Perth, but it feels like a world of its own.

For investors, the area offers great value with more affordable property prices, a steady rental market, and growing demand thanks to tourism, agriculture, and people relocating for lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to settle down or build your investment portfolio, it’s well worth a look.

We’ve been helping people in Albany and the Great Southern since 1948 – that’s over 75 years of local knowledge and trusted service. Our team isn’t just experienced, they’re approachable, hardworking, and genuinely care about helping people make smart property decisions. Aside from real estate, we heavily invest in our community by supporting & sponsoring more than 20 not-for-profit, local organisations.

You can manage your property yourself, but most landlords find that having a property manager saves time, stress and money in the long run. There’s a lot to stay on top of, like advertising, finding and screening tenants, handling maintenance, doing inspections and keeping up with tenancy laws.

A good property manager will take care of all that for you. They help avoid costly mistakes, reduce vacancy time, and make sure your property is looked after properly. For many investors, it’s one of the smartest moves they make.

Property investment shouldn’t feel like a second job, to hear more about how our property managers can help simplify your investment journey, contact us here.

Using a property management agency usually involves a small percentage of your weekly rent as an ongoing management fee and a small charge for each routine inspection. On top of that, there may be one-off costs like fees associated with finding a new tenant. Everything is clearly outlined up front, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. We keep it simple, transparent, and good value for the service and peace of mind you get in return.

A rental appraisal is a simple way to find out how much rent your property could earn based on the current market. We take into account similar properties, location, condition and features to work out its rental potential.

To give you the most accurate advice, we’ll usually visit the property in person. It’s a quick check, but it helps us pick up on things that make your place stand out – or could impact the rental value. Even if you’re not planning to rent it right away, it’s a handy step if you’re buying an investment, reviewing your returns or just wanting to stay informed.

A sales appraisal is a professional assessment of what your property could sell for based on current market conditions. We consider recent sales in the area, market demand, and the unique features of your home.

To provide the most accurate advice, we’ll come out and take a proper look at the property. It’s a short visit, but it allows us to factor in details that online data can’t capture – things like presentation, layout, renovations or even the feel of the space. It’s free, straightforward, and a great way to start if you’re thinking about selling.

Selling – Residential

Can I Sell My House without Using a Real Estate Agent?

Yes, you can sell your home privately without using an agent, but it’s important to know what’s involved. Selling a property takes more than just putting up a sign. You’ll need to price it correctly, handle the marketing, manage enquiries, run inspections, negotiate offers, and deal with contracts and legal paperwork. It can be a lot to juggle, especially if it’s your first time.

A good real estate agent can help you get the best sale price by presenting the property well, attracting serious buyers, and negotiating on your behalf. In many cases, using an experienced agent adds more value than it costs.

A better question might be: what does it cost not to use the right agent? A skilled agent who knows how to price, market and negotiate well can often achieve a higher sale price, meaning you walk away with more in your pocket – even after fees. On the flip side, a cheaper service that struggles to get results could end up costing you far more in the long run.

At Wellington & Reeves, our commission is a small percentage of the final sale price, and we include most marketing in our package; things like quality photography, signboards, online listings and open home support are all covered.

There’s full transparency from day one, and if you’re after anything extra like premium signage or digital ads, we’ll talk through those options with you. No pressure, no surprises – just great service and advice that puts your result first.

Nothing at all – it’s completely free. Whether you’re just curious about what your property might be worth, thinking of selling soon, or weighing up your options, we’re happy to provide a no-obligation appraisal.

We’ll look at recent sales, current market trends, and the unique features of your home to give you an accurate idea of its value. It’s quick, easy, and a great starting point – no pressure, just helpful info.

First impressions count, and a well-presented property can make a big difference to the final sale price. You don’t need a full renovation, but giving your home a refresh can go a long way. Think clean and clutter-free, with tidy gardens and any minor repairs sorted. A fresh coat of paint updated light fittings, or simply rearranging furniture to make rooms feel more open can all help your property appeal to buyers. We’ll guide you through what’s worth doing and what’s not, so you can focus on the things that will give you the best return.

That depends on a few key things – the current market, your property type, how it’s priced, and even the time of year. In Albany and the surrounding region, homes often sell within a few weeks to a couple of months, especially when priced right and marketed well. Rural or unique properties might take a little longer, while well-presented homes in popular suburbs can sometimes go quickly. We’ll give you a more tailored estimate during your appraisal and help you put a strategy in place to keep the timeline on track.

Buying – Residential

Should I Talk to A Real Estate Agent Before I Start House Hunting?

Absolutely! And it can make a big difference. When you chat with one of our agents, we’ll take note of what you’re looking for and add you to our buyer database. That means you’ll get alerts about new listings that match your criteria, sometimes even before they hit the major websites.

Plus, our agents will keep you in mind if something suitable is coming up – whether it’s a quiet listing, an off-market opportunity, or a great fit we know is just around the corner. It’s a simple step that can give you a real edge in a competitive market.

You don’t have to, but it honestly makes the whole process so much easier. Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of what you can spend, so you’re not wasting time looking at homes outside your budget (or underselling yourself by looking too low).

It also puts you in a stronger position when you do find something you love – sellers are more likely to take your offer seriously if they know your finance is already lined up. Think of it as house-hunting with confidence.

It’s easy to focus on the purchase price, but there are a few other costs to plan for. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Stamp Duty: This is a government tax and one of the biggest extras. First home buyers may be eligible for discounts or exemptions.

Settlement Agent/Conveyancing Fees: They handle the legal paperwork and property transfer.

Building & Pest Inspections: Optional but highly recommended for peace of mind.

Loan Setup Fees: Some lenders charge for application or processing.

Insurance: Most lenders require building insurance from the date the contract is signed.

Council & Water Rates: These are usually adjusted at settlement.

Moving Costs: Don’t forget removalists, truck hire or cleaners.

Having a buffer for these extras can make the buying process much smoother and less stressful.

Yes, it’s a must-have in WA. A conveyancer (also called a settlement agent) is your behind-the-scenes expert who manages all the legal and financial steps of transferring property ownership. They make sure your contract is followed correctly, liaise with your bank, check for any title issues, and get everything ready for settlement day.

You don’t have to use one we recommend, but we’re happy to connect you with local professionals we trust.

You’ll get the keys once settlement is complete. That is the moment the property officially becomes yours. This usually happens on the agreed settlement date written in your contract. Your settlement agent will confirm everything is finalised, and then we’ll hand over the keys.

If you’re booking removalists or trades, it’s a good idea to schedule them for later in the day or even the next morning, just in case things run slightly behind. We’ll keep you updated so you know exactly when it’s time to move in.

Renting – Residential

How Do I Apply for A Rental Property Through Wellington & Reeves?

To apply for a rental property, you’ll need to register to attend a viewing. Viewing times for each listing are posted on our website, and registering ensures you’ll get notified of any changes or updates.

Once you’ve viewed the property and decided it’s the right fit, you can submit your rental application online. Be sure to include all the required documents:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income (like payslips, bank statements or Centrelink info)
  • Rental references or rental history

Make sure everything is filled out clearly and completely. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can slow things down and in a competitive market, that could mean someone else gets approved first.

When you’re approved for a rental, there are a few upfront costs to be ready for:

  • Bond: Typically four weeks’ rent, held as security by the bond authority.
  • First two weeks’ rent: Paid in advance before moving in.
  • Pet bond: If your rental allows pets, there may be an additional pet bond (usually up to $260 in WA) to cover potential cleaning or damage.

We’ll clearly outline all costs before anything’s signed, so you know exactly what to expect and can plan ahead.

You’ll usually get 7 to 14 days’ notice before a routine rental inspection. The key is not leaving it to the last minute. Give the place a good clean, wipe down surfaces, tidy the garden, sweep or vacuum floors, and take care of any small repairs you’ve noticed.

If you’ve got pets, make sure you clean up after them inside and out. That includes vacuuming up fur, picking up after them in the yard, and making sure the property smells fresh.

Remember: this isn’t just about impressing your property manager. It’s your opportunity to show the owner that you’re taking care of their property. And if there’s ever a good time to make the bed – this is it! A tidy, well-kept home makes a strong impression and builds confidence in you as a tenant.

The final inspection happens after you’ve moved out and returned the keys. We’ll go through the property using the original condition report and check that it’s been cleaned and looked after during your tenancy.

It doesn’t need to be perfect – normal wear and tear is always expected – but we’ll be checking that it’s been returned in the same general condition as when you moved in. This includes making sure:

  • Carpets are professionally cleaned (have the receipt handy)
  • Pet fumigation has been done if you had pets (again, keep the paperwork)
  • The house has had a good overall clean inside and out

The final inspection is a standard part of the vacating process. A bit of effort upfront can go a long way in making sure your bond is refunded without any hold-ups.

Commercial/Business

What Is Included in A Commercial Lease Agreement?

A commercial lease agreement lays out the key terms between a landlord and tenant for a business property and it’s a bit more detailed than your average residential lease. It usually includes things like:

  • The lease term (how long it runs for, and any options to renew)
  • The rent amount and how it’s calculated (often per square metre)
  • Outgoings – these are extra costs the tenant may need to cover, like council rates, insurance, or maintenance
  • Who’s responsible for things like repairs, fit-outs, and maintenance
  • Any restrictions on how the space can be used
  • Details around bonds, rent reviews, and termination terms

Every lease is a little different depending on the property and the type of business, so it’s really important to go through the details carefully and we’re always happy to help talk you through what it all means.

Commercial rent is typically based on a rate per square metre. So, if a space is 100m² and the rate is $250 per m², the annual rent would be $25,000. The rate depends on things like location, property type, and what’s included in the lease. Some leases also include outgoings, while others list them separately.

Yes, and you absolutely should. Unlike residential leases, commercial lease terms are often flexible and open to negotiation. That includes rent, lease length, renewal options, who pays for outgoings, and even fit-out clauses. Every business is different, and landlords usually understand that. It’s worth getting professional advice so you know what’s fair and what’s possible – a bit of back-and-forth upfront can save you money and stress later on.

It depends on your goals, budget, and how long you plan to stay. Leasing gives you more flexibility, usually lower upfront costs, and the ability to move or grow as your business changes. Buying can be a great long-term investment and gives you more control over the space, but it comes with higher upfront costs and responsibilities.

Buying a commercial property isn’t just about the purchase price. You’ll also need to factor in stamp duty, legal and settlement fees, building inspections, and possibly GST depending on the property. There may also be ongoing costs like council rates, insurance, and strata if it’s part of a complex. Getting a clear picture of all the costs upfront helps you plan properly and avoid surprises down the track. We’re happy to help guide you through what to expect based on the property type and location.

Do You Have More Real Estate Questions?

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