THE IMPORTANCE OF USING A GOOD SOLICITOR OR CONVEYANCER

Finding the right Conveyancer or solicitor can make the difference between a smooth and trouble-free house move and a stressful, time-consuming one so choosing the right one is crucial. Selecting the wrong one could prove costly and could delay or derail the buying and selling process. No two solicitors are the same and service delivery can vary enormously.

The legal process of buying and selling a property is called conveyancing and this can be carried out by either a solicitor who is a qualified lawyer or a licensed conveyancer who has less training than a solicitor but who is specialised in property. Many larger legal practices employ in-house conveyancers to do their conveyancing for them.

One of the best ways of finding a good solicitor or conveyancer is through a personal recommendation so ask friends, family or work colleagues who have bought a property in the area recently. You can also ask your estate agent or find a solicitor from the Law Society website or a conveyancer from the Council for Licenced Conveyancers website.

 Fees for conveyancing work vary so it is advisable to obtain at least three quotes from different companies. Ensure you know what costs the quote includes. You will usually be charged for the solicitor’s/conveyancer’s time, phone calls, letters, faxes and indemnity fee. Leasehold properties will cost more as they involve additional work checking the lease. Many solicitors/conveyancers may state that if any unforeseen problems arise these will be dealt with through an extra charge. It is not advisable to use solicitors or conveyancers who charge an hourly rate and be wary of any quote that does not fully itemise all charges.

Estate agents work with solicitors and conveyancers on a daily basis and are in a good position to recommend the right person to deal with your transaction. Louise Knight, of JP Knight Estate Agents, said: “Over the years, as estate agents, we get to know the solicitors and conveyancers who offer value for money and can advise potential vendors and purchasers on the best ones locally.

 “A good solicitor will not mind taking calls from estate agents for updates as they recognise the importance of keeping both vendor and buyer informed.”

 If you are considering buying or selling a property in 2015 and would like more information about solicitors and conveyancers please call JP Knight Estate Agents on Tel: 01491 834349 or e-mail: info@jpknight.net