Your conveyancer or solicitor will handle the legal parts of selling or buying a property for you. This is an important job, and so it is vital that you choose wisely. You want to make sure, for example, that your conveyancer keeps you fully informed throughout the process and supports you properly by answering any questions you may have.
When searching for conveyancing in London or solicitors in your particular part of the UK, the sheer choice can seem confusing. It can be hard to differentiate between respected companies and those who just want to make a quick buck.
It can pay to seek recommendations from others, who may well point you in the direction of companies such as Sam Conveyancing, but it is also important for you to understand the processes involved and know what you are looking for when it comes to choosing conveyancing services in London and elsewhere.
What do licensed conveyancers and solicitors do?
Once you put an offer in on a property you will be asked who your licensed conveyancer or solicitor is. This is the individual or company who will help you in the transferring of ownership of the property. Whether you are selling or buying, your conveyancer will do such things as:
Offering legal advice
Handling contracts
Transferring money
Dealing with Land Registry
Carrying out local authority searches
Difference between solicitors and conveyancers
Licenced conveyancers are property specialists and are perfectly placed to deal with most property sales and purchases. They are also usually less expensive than solicitors. You may need a solicitor to deal with complex legal issues, however.
Finding the right conveyancer
This can be tricky when starting from scratch, but, as mentioned previously, recommendations from friends and family can be invaluable, as can advice from your independent financial adviser, mortgage broker or lender.
You can also search online for local firms and check out reviews and online ratings. Estate agents may also recommend solicitors, but always compare prices and services to ensure you get the right option for you.
You could also choose to use online conveyancing, which is increasing in popularity. Just be aware that this may not offer the service required by all clients. If, for example, you want to be assured of speaking to the same person each time you make contact, this might not be the right option for you.
Most importantly, you need to make sure that whatever property specialist you choose is a member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme and the Law Society of England and Wales Law Society of Scotland. Conveyancers should be Council for Licenced Conveyancers members.
Understanding fees
Another important factor to consider when choosing conveyancing services is fees and how you will pay. You may be charged a percentage of your property price, an hourly rate,# or a fixed fee. Make sure you know the fees system, and try to get at least three different quotes for the total cost so you can compare.
Communication systems
Good communication systems are important. Ask about tracking systems so you can see how your purchase or sale is progressing and ensure they are available when you need them. For example, you don’t want to choose a conveyancer who has a month’s holiday planned right when you want their services.
You may also want to consider the location of your chosen conveyancer or solicitor. Using a company or individual close by can be helpful if you want to make it as convenient as possible to collect or drop off documents or to provide local knowledge.