Whether you are actively looking for a conveyancer now or want to prepare yourself for choosing the best conveyancer when the time comes, we have some helpful tips to share with you.
Firstly, if you have just put an offer in on the house of your dreams, congratulations! You are now just a few steps away from owning your dream home, and all you have to do is provide the estate agents with your solicitors’ details.
So, what should you be looking for when deciding on a conveyancer to act for you?
Research is key!
Make sure you research your local firms and look at their experience, their qualifications, and their reviews. Speak to them, ask questions, and get to know them so you understand if they would be the right fit for you.
Any good conveyancer should put your needs first and should support you through the transaction, providing you with a quality service at a competitive price.
Think about what you want from a conveyancer
Every person is different, so it only makes sense that you want to choose a conveyancer that will understand your personal needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Who will have the responsibility for your transaction?
- What are their qualifications?
- How easy will it be to communicate with your lawyer?
- Can you call in and see them? Do you prefer a contactless service?
Shop around
Obtain a few quotes and be aware of hidden extras that could be added later in the transaction. Some firms will tell you their legal costs, but will then add ‘bolt-ons’ for redeeming mortgages, taking out indemnity policies, completing Stamp Duty Land Transaction Returns or dealing with a Help to Buy ISA, etc.
Cheapest isn’t always best
Purchasing a property is probably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life. You need a conveyancer who will support and advise you at each stage of the transaction with regular contact and provide you with a quality service.
Investigate costs in the event that your sale/purchase falls through
Some companies will charge for the work undertaken up to the point that the transactions falls through, whereas some firms will charge the whole amount quoted at the outset of the transaction.
Some firms may also offer a ‘No Move No Fee’ service. Read the terms and conditions of such a policy carefully before entering into any agreement of this nature.
Be wary of referral fees
Your estate agents will most likely advise you to use their panel of conveyancers, which can be a very handy and easy solution at the time – instead of researching on your own – but we would suggest you do your independent inquiry before committing.
Nowadays all estate agents are under a duty to be transparent and advise you of the referral fee that they receive from their panel solicitors for referring your sale or purchase to them. Ask your estate agents what benefits you will get and ensure that your needs are going to be met.
We hope this information is valuable to any prospective vendors/purchasers. Our conveyancing team is ready and able to help you with all aspects of residential conveyancing including:
- Buying
- Selling
- Re-mortgages & additional mortgages
- Property transfers
- New build purchases
- Right to Buy purchases
- Lost title deeds
If you would like to discuss our services, please contact our conveyancing team who would be happy to answer all your queries for free.
