Keely Scott

Qualifications

New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies 2024

Contact

DDI: +64 7 577 8680
M: +64 21 795 064
E: keely.scott@hobec.co.nz

Keely Scott is a Registered Legal Executive in our Tauranga property and commercial team.

Keely has been working in law since 2019, beginning her career as a legal secretary and going on to complete her Legal Executive Diploma in 2024. She joined Holland Beckett and Joel Murphy’s team in 2025. She primarily works in conveyancing.

In her spare time, Keely likes to play netball, crochet, read books and spend time with family and friends.

Keely Scott's Expertise

Property Law

Commercial Law

Keely Scott's News & Resources

When will I get my keys on settlement day?

Receiving the keys to your new home is a significant milestone. Clients often enquire about the exact timing on settlement day, especially if they are coordinating with moving companies or eagerly awaiting possession of their new home. Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” answer for when this will happen. Before you can take possession, the settlement process must be completed. This involves payment of the purchase price and transfer of the property\'s title. The timing of this process can be a bit unpredictable on the actual day of settlement. The key issue revolves around the exchange: the Vendor doesn\'t want to transfer the property without receiving payment, and the Purchaser doesn\'t want to pay without assurance of acquiring the property. Lawyers handle this by providing each other with \'undertakings\' – enforceable promises to carry out specific actions. These undertakings ensure everyone can proceed confidently with their respective tasks. There are 2 undertakings given on settlement, one from each lawyer. The Vendor’s lawyer undertakes to transfer the property\'s title to the Purchaser upon receiving the settlement payment from the Purchaser’s lawyer. The Purchaser’s lawyer can then pay the settlement payment to the Vendor’s lawyer and undertakes that the payment will not be altered or withdrawn. While this seems simple enough, there are several other steps that must align before you can get those precious keys. If the Vendor has a mortgage, their bank must confirm the amount payable to discharge the mortgage. This amount is confirmed the morning of settlement to include interest to that date; a key factor contributing to time uncertainties. The Purchaser\'s lawyer cannot release the settlement payment until the Vendor’s lawyer has given their undertaking, received any loan funds (if bank financing is involved), and the Purchaser’s contribution is deposited into the lawyer’s trust account. So, there is a bit of patience required on settlement day, but this ensures that the various factors align so you can take possession of the property without a hitch. Rest assured that your lawyer is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition, enabling you to step into your new home with confidence.