How Do You Choose a Conveyancing Lawyer?
Buying or selling your home is often a very exciting time, one filled with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. However, it can also be a very stressful time, especially if you choose the wrong lawyer. A 2022 survey conducted by the consumer advice website, Home Selling Buyer Expert, revealed that 31% of all house sales fall through at least once.
If you ask any homeowner what the most frustrating part of the buying/selling process was, they will probably mention conveyancing (the process that transfers land and property ownership from one person to another).
With the wrong legal assistance, it can feel like you are totally powerless as you wait for other people to secure your new home for you. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right lawyer you will not only feel in control every step of the way, but the process itself will seem a whole lot simpler and far less stressful.
In this blog, we share our top tips for choosing the right lawyer to give you the best chance of completing your home purchase or sale.
Shop around
Conveyancing services and fees can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to get at least three quotes from different firms. As with most services, recommendations from friends and family are often the best way and be sure to look at Google Reviews too.
Cheap isn’t always ‘cheap’
Although tempting, beware of opting for the cheapest deal. When reviewing your quotes be sure you are comparing apples with apples and fully understand exactly what is included. Many firms have a list of “add-ons” such as fast completion or acting for your mortgage lender. Be sure to give as much detail as possible to your solicitor so their quote is as accurate as it can be. Ask your solicitor what other fees might occur during the transaction. A good solicitor will have no problem explaining these to you.
Low fees could mean they are working with many clients, which often results in a slow service—one of the most frustrating aspects of buying a home, or it could be that your work will be carried out by a junior member of staff with little experience.
Check your conveyancer is regulated
Whoever you choose, make sure the firm is registered with a regulatory body such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority and they are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), which means they work to a recognised standard for conveyancing practice. There are bogus law firms out there who will take your money and then close-up shop which means you lose the money and your dream home.
Can you work with the conveyancer?
Of course, money is important, but it is also important that you feel comfortable and confident with the lawyer you instruct. The cheapest quote may become less attractive when you realise your lawyer is online only or based at the other end of the country.
If there are any problems, will you be able to meet face to face to sort them out? Will you be comfortable chasing them if they are slow to return phone calls or emails? One benefit of instructing a local firm is being able to call into the office and see them in person.
Decide what is important to you and what you are comfortable with. Sometimes added security and peace of mind gained from knowing that your lawyer accessible and ‘on it’ is worth the extra money!
Always ask
In my many years of experience in the legal profession, I’ve found most of the problems and stresses of buying and selling properties crop up because clients do not understand what their lawyer is doing and why, and it is not always clear when things should happen and how the process works. If you’re not sure, ask! There’s no such thing as a stupid question and a good conveyancing lawyer will take the time to make sure you understand everything.
Of course, some people may opt to do their own conveyancing. It is possible… but it’s very time-consuming and could be very risky if you don’t have the expertise. At Parfitt Cresswell we do not recommend you go it alone unless you have conveyancing knowledge and skills. It is also worth noting that if you are buying with a mortgage, your mortgage lender will make it a requirement that they have legal representation to whom you will have to give all information and will demand additional information if they are not happy. If you choose your own lawyer, they can usually also act for your mortgage company and deal with everything at the same time.
Professional services can look expensive on the surface, but as long as you get a great service, it is worth the investment to make sure you complete your sale/purchase. Your move is likely to be the biggest purchase you will make, you want to make sure that any problems that may crop up along the way are dealt with quickly and effectively, minimising any stress and ensuring a smooth process.
A good lawyer is worth their weight in gold and finding the right one can make all the difference to your move.
If you would like to speak to one of expert Conveyancing Lawyers about your sale or purchase, take advantage of our FREE Initial Consultation. Call 0800 999 4437 and speak to a member of our team today to receive your quote.
