OK, so you’ve decided to buy your new home or sell your old one. The first choice you will need to make is whether to use a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. They basically do the same thing, namely handle the paperwork related to a property sale or purchase. It’s about making sure you have the right person dealing with your particular transaction. Avoid falling into the trap of jumping at the cheapest price. There are many factors you need to consider. Experienced, efficient and trustworthy are the main keywords as well as price.
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Experienced – are they qualified professionals?
You should only consider dealing with an accredited professional whether it be a solicitor or conveyancer. Solicitors are accredited by the Quality Conveyancing Scheme while licensed conveyancers are accredited by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Using Sam Conveyancing you can be sure that any conveyancing quotes you receive will be from a panel of accredited professionals many of whom operate with major lenders.
Efficient – online or traditional conveyancing
One of the frustrations of buying and selling a property is the time it takes – up to 10 weeks. Communication can be an issue as sometimes there is little to report but it may seem as if nothing is happening. Online conveyancing tends to be more technology-driven and can speed things up and with automated communication via email or SMS, keep you informed when each milestone is completed. Many traditional conveyancing solicitors are now adopting the same technology and have portals where you can log on and see exactly where your transaction is up to so make sure whichever route you choose that your solicitor or conveyancer is using the latest technologies and can guarantee efficient and speedy service.
Trustworthy
Online reviews are a great way of learning about the quality and type of service being offered. Recommendations from estate agents aren’t always the best answer as they may well be receiving referral fees. While price will be important for most, whatever price level you are comfortable with, make sure you know what’s included. There can often be hidden costs – called disbursements – and they can add up to significant sums. You need to know when any payments will need to be made. When you receive quotes make sure your chosen provider has fully itemised all the costs with payment dates. You also need to be aware of what liability you will have if the deal falls through. With the right research, you will ideally find a reasonably priced and well-respected solicitor or conveyancer with a guaranteed fixed fee and a ‘no sale, no fee’ offer.