Marketplace Guidelines

For Sellers: Safety Guidelines & Obligations

1. Seller Responsibilities

By listing your tiny home on THA's marketplace, you agree to:

Timely Communication

• Respond to legitimate buyer enquiries within 24 hours during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
• Strongly recommended to call serious enquirers within 10-20 minutes where practicable
• Slow response times significantly reduce buyer interest and may result in listing removal

Accurate Information & Disclosure

• All listing details must be truthful and current
• Disclose any known defects, damage, or issues affecting value or safety
• Update your listing immediately if circumstances change
• Sellers are solely responsible for ensuring their tiny home complies with applicable regulations

Property Access

• Make reasonable arrangements for inspections with serious, pre-qualified buyers where practicable
• Ensure property is presented in the condition represented in listing photos

THA reserves the right to suspend or remove listings at its discretion where these guidelines are not met, or where conduct may compromise marketplace safety or integrity.

2. Safe Payment Practices for Sellers

Accepted Payment Methods:

• ✅ Bank transfer/EFT to Australian bank account (preferred)
• ✅ Bank cheque (allow time to clear)
• ✅ Cash on pickup (public location, witness present)

NEVER Accept:

• ❌ Wire transfers (especially international)
• ❌ Cryptocurrency
• ❌ "Overpayment" schemes
• ❌ Payment apps for large transactions

Important Payment Rules:

• Never release property until payment fully clears
• Deposits should have clear written terms: refundable/non-refundable, conditions, timeframe
• THA does not hold deposits or act as escrow

3. Meeting Buyers Safely

Best Practices:

• Meet during daylight hours where practicable
• Have someone present for viewings
• Meet in public locations for THOW inspections
• Verify buyer identity before sharing sensitive information
• Never feel pressured to accept offers immediately
• Trust your instincts

4. Common Scam Warning Signs

Be cautious if buyer:

• Wants to purchase sight-unseen without reasonable explanation
• Uses unusual payment methods
• Sends more than asking price
• Claims to be overseas/military with urgent timeline
• Uses generic responses that don't reference your listing
• Requests detailed bank information before serious enquiry

Report suspected fraud immediately: info@tinyhouseagency.com.au

5. Transport & Compliance

Roadworthiness (THOW):

• Ensure trailer is safe for transport
• Provide weight certificates and axle ratings
• Disclose any transport restrictions

Transport Responsibility:

• Unless explicitly agreed in writing, transport is buyer's responsibility
• Do not arrange transport for buyers without clear written terms

Legal Obligations:

• You are bound by Australian Consumer Law
• Major defects must be disclosed in writing
• Misleading conduct is illegal

For Buyers: Protection Guidelines

Understanding Listing Types & Protection Levels

THA's marketplace features two listing types with different protection levels:

1. Your Due Diligence Responsibilities

For All Purchases:

• Strongly recommended: in-person inspection where practicable
• Verify all compliance documentation (gas/electrical certificates, engineer's certificates, warranties)
• Research council regulations for your intended location
• Get independent legal advice before signing contracts
• Understand transport and setup costs
• Verify seller identity and ownership

Sight-Unseen Purchases:

• Carry additional risk
• Strongly recommended only when represented by licensed agent who has inspected on your behalf
• Consider engaging independent inspector if agent representation unavailable

For Standard/Featured Listings (Private Sellers):

• Consider hiring building professional familiar with tiny homes
• Engage solicitor to review contracts
• Verify seller identity independently
• Get all representations in writing

2. Safe Payment Practices for Buyers

Payment Methods:

• ✅ Bank transfer to seller's verified Australian account
• ✅ Bank cheque to verified seller
• ❌ Never pay overseas accounts, via cryptocurrency, or to unverified third parties

Payment Protection:

• All deposits must be covered by written purchase agreement
• Specify refund conditions clearly
• Never pay in full before understanding your rights
• Keep all payment records and correspondence

3. Your Rights Under Australian Consumer Law

• Products must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose
• Sellers must not misrepresent or provide false information
• Major failures may entitle you to refund or compensation
• Your rights apply even if seller says "sold as is"
• These rights cannot be excluded by contract

4. Buyer Warning Signs

Be cautious if:

• Seller refuses or makes inspection difficult
• No compliance documentation available
• Seller can't prove ownership
• Photos don't match current condition
• Seller pressures quick payment or avoids questions
• Price unrealistically low
• Communication vague or inconsistent

For Standard/Featured listings, also watch for:

• Seller won't provide identity verification
• Seller uses multiple contact numbers
• Bank details don't match seller's name

5. Transport Considerations

• Transport is buyer's responsibility unless explicitly agreed otherwise
• Get transport quotes before committing to purchase
• Verify dimensions and permits needed
• Recommended: conduct final inspection before transport where practicable
• Get transport insurance separate from property insurance
• Document condition before and after transport

THA's Role & Limitations

What THA Provides

For Standard Listings:

• Marketplace platform with 90-day listing duration
• Basic listing presence on THA marketplace
• Self-managed enquiries and negotiations

For Featured Listings:

• Everything in Standard, plus:
• Featured badge and enhanced listing presentation
• Unlimited listing duration (subject to quality and pricing standards)
• Self-managed enquiries and negotiations

For Listed by THA (Full Service):

• Everything in Featured, plus:
• Licensed agent representation - White-glove service managed by THA's licensed agents
• Strategic pricing and market analysis - Data-driven pricing backed by market conditions and sales comparables
• Seller verification and listing quality assurance - Ownership verification and property details confirmed
• Professional listing photography and videography coordination - Guidance on capturing high-quality images and video walkthroughs that showcase your property
• Multi-channel marketing - Instagram, Facebook, targeted groups, Gumtree, and other platforms
• Dedicated email marketing - Direct outreach to THA's qualified buyer database
• Pre-sale preparation consultation - Guidance on repairs, staging, and presentation
• Full buyer management - All enquiries and communications handled by licensed agent
• Buyer financing facilitation - Introductions to third-party lenders and coordination support where available (no guarantee of approval)
• Expert negotiation and contract handling - Professional representation through offers and counteroffers
• Priority offer review - All offers reviewed promptly with strategic recommendations
• Value maximisation - Strategic positioning of add-ons (solar, decks, furniture packages)
• Progress updates - Regular communication on activity, feedback, and market movement
• End-to-end transaction coordination - Transport coordination, settlement management, professional handover, and post-sale support

What THA Does NOT Provide

For Standard & Featured Listings:

• Financial or legal advice
• Property condition verification or inspection
• Verification of buyer financial capacity or seller identity
• Holding of deposits or escrow services
• Transport arrangements or coordination
• Council approval assistance
• Building inspections or structural assessments
• Buyer management, negotiation support, or agent representation
• Marketing beyond marketplace listing

For Listed by THA:

• Financial or legal advice (strategic guidance provided, not regulated financial/legal advice)
• Property condition guarantees (professional verification and quality assurance provided, but seller remains responsible per sale agreement)
• Verification of buyer financial capacity (we facilitate financing introductions, but don't guarantee approval)
• Holding of deposits or escrow services
• Council approval assistance
• Building inspections or structural assessments (licensed agent inspection and quality assurance provided, not a building/engineering inspection)

Listed by THA Enhanced Protection

When you purchase a property with the "🛡️ THA Verified Listing" badge:

Pre-Purchase:

• Property inspected and verified by licensed agent
• Seller identity and ownership confirmed
• Compliance documentation reviewed

During Purchase:

• Licensed agent representation throughout
• Professional contract preparation
• Offer negotiation support
• Settlement coordination

Post-Purchase:

• Mediation support if undisclosed defects discovered
• Follow-up support during initial period

Important Limitations:

• THA's verification is professional due diligence, not a guarantee of condition or value
• Not a building inspection or structural assessment
• Not insurance against defects (seller remains responsible per sale agreement)
• Not legal or financial advice

For Standard & Featured Listings (Private Sellers)

• THA has not inspected or verified these properties
• Buyer responsible for all due diligence
• Limited post-sale support available
• Strongly recommended: seek independent professional advice

If Something Goes Wrong

During Purchase

• Document everything in writing
• For Listed by THA: Contact THA directly for support
• For Standard/Featured: Seek independent legal advice
• Report suspected fraud immediately: info@tinyhouseagency.com.au

After Settlement

• Contact seller in writing immediately regarding issues
• For Listed by THA: Contact THA for mediation support
• For Standard/Featured: Seek legal advice, consider Fair Trading complaint
• Major failures: Consult lawyer about Australian Consumer Law rights

Dispute Resolution Path

1. Direct negotiation with other party (always try first)
2. Mediation support (THA can assist for Listed by THA purchases at discretion)
3. Fair Trading complaint (your state consumer protection agency)
4. Legal action if necessary (seek legal advice)

Getting Help

Questions or concerns?

Report suspected fraud or safety concerns immediately.