Sending money and I need to know what safety or precautions need to take

[Schizophonic]

I've agreed with a seller a price of an item (non ebay) and I'm in the process of about to send the money.

However for safety and piece of mind, what protection do I have as a buyer when I'm buying from them?

I don't want to be in the position where I've sent the money through and the seller has gone quiet with me or not sent the item to me.

What actions do I have with Paypal when sending this large amount of money?  Can paypal hold the money before it's released to the buyer and when I've confirmed I've received the items and its as described I can release the money?  Is there such safely precautions paypal offer?

[kernowlass]

@Schizophonic 

That depends on MANY factors all listed in Paypals buyer protection policy for you to read so you can risk assess your transactions.
Legal (bottom right of Paypals pages) > user agreement > buyer protection.