Choosing the right conveyancer
Because buying or selling a home isn’t something that most people do often, in a lot of instances when people do decide to move, they need to find a solicitor or conveyancer to act for them.
So, how should you choose your conveyancer and what should you look for?
Well firstly, let’s cover off an important point. You don’t need to choose a conveyancer in your local area. This is because you don’t need to ever visit your conveyancer – the process is often done remotely now, using post, telephone and internet. This means that you have the freedom to shop around for the right conveyancer for you.
The fact that you’re reading this article shows that you are already going through a process that many don’t - it pays to do your research! If, like many, you are using the internet to conduct your research, you’ll find it awash with hundred of conveyancers, who at a glance all appear to offer a similar service. So, how do you pick the best conveyancer to instruct?
There is no denying that cost is a real factor for most people. You should obtain a detailed quotation from a selection of conveyancers and/or solicitors. Be careful though, there are some less scrupulous businesses out there who will entice you with a very low headline fee but the reality is that people can face a nasty surprise when they see the full cost breakdown. At Kirkstall Property Lawyers, we believe in complete transparency and you can obtain a detailed conveyancing quotation instantly by visiting www.kirkstallproperty lawyers.co.uk or by calling us on 0344 244 3850.
Be wary about choosing the cheapest provider, this by no means that they are the best. The saying that you get what you pay for is often the case.
When looking at various conveyancing websites, ask yourself ‘Do they look credible?' 'Do they look professional?' A poor quality website could be an indication of the quality of the conveyancer themselves.
Beware that some conveyancers may not be authorised to act for certain banks and building societies. This is often referred to as ‘not being on the panel’ of a particular lender. This will mean that if you are getting a mortgage, a conveyancer who isn’t on the panel of your mortgage lender won’t be able to conduct the entire conveyancing transaction. They will in all likelihood have to work with another solicitor or conveyancer who will act on behalf of the lender. This can cause delays and communication problems as another party needs to be involved. Kirkstall Property Lawyers' conveyancers are authorised to act for all lenders so this won’t be a problem if you choose Kirkstall Property Lawyers to act for you.
Find out how the conveyancer will keep you updated on the progress of your transaction.
If you work, and/or are keen to move as quickly as possible, look for one that has extended opening hours and uses technology to keep you fully in the picture. For example, at Kirkstall Property Lawyers we update our clients by telephone, email, letters and SMS text updates. You’ll also have access to your own Case Tracker, which allows you to view the progress of your move 24/7. You can even Skype us! Take a look at our website for more information.
Finally, if you are in any doubt – telephone the conveyancer you are considering using to get a sense for the service they are providing. Any credible conveyancer will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
We hope you’ve found this helpful, if you need any more information please take a look at the other guides on our website or alternatively please call us, we’d be happy to help you.
