How to Find the Right Solicitor or Conveyancer
Buying or selling a house can be exciting, but it also has the potential to be an overwhelming, stressful experience. With so much to organise, a myriad of strict processes to follow, and complex legal jargon to decipher, it’s hard to know where to start.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or are moving up the property ladder, the first thing you’ll be asked when your offer is accepted is the name and contact details of your solicitor or conveyancer. So, finding the right professional to guide you through the house buying process, and manage the purchase of your home is an absolutely critical step. But what should you look for when searching for a solicitor or conveyancer? And how do you select the right professional to manage your purchase?
We’ve put together this guide to help you when it comes to buying a house and point you in the right direction when selecting a solicitor or conveyancer to deal with your transaction.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal term for transferring ownership of a property from one person or entity to another.
What is the difference between solicitors and conveyancers?
Solicitors are qualified lawyers who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Conveyancers are licensed professionals who specialise in property and are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Solicitors are trained in handling many aspects of the law and can provide legal advice in different areas. Licensed conveyancers on the other hand may not have knowledge beyond property conveyancing law and may not be able to deal with complex legal issues. For this reason solicitors may often charge more than conveyancers to deal with property transactions.
It is often recommended to select a solicitor for complex transactions so you can achieve the best possible outcome. For simple, straightforward transactions, a conveyancer may be selected instead to help save on conveyancing costs. However, choosing between a solicitor or conveyancer will depend on your personal preference and circumstances.
How to find the right solicitor or conveyancer
Since buying a home is such a large, important purchase, you want to make sure that the professionals you work with know what they’re talking about and are good at what they do. If you aren’t sure where to look to find the right solicitor or conveyancer, here are some places to start:
- Ask for recommendations from family and friends. If someone in your social circle recently purchased or sold a home, you might consider asking them who they used and what their experience was like.
- Ask your estate agent, lender or mortgage broker for a recommendation. These agencies either have an in-house professional or work closely with a recommended firm.
- Use search engines and online legal review sites. There are many websites that will give you information on solicitors and conveyancers in your local area with reviews from former clients.
Don’t feel pressured into simply choosing the first professional that is recommended to you. Start by investing some time in researching the professionals and choosing one that best suits your needs. Check their qualifications and always ask for a quote before instructing them. Be sure to ask for a breakdown of all costs including VAT to allow you to compare different firms and their costs.
The house buying process is likely to involve conversations of a sensitive or private nature, so it’s important that you feel comfortable developing a good working relationship with the person handling your case. They must be easily contactable, either face-to-face, or via email or telephone. Try to establish who you will deal with if your main point of contact is away, either on holiday or on sick leave. Regular contact helps you build a trusting relationship with your solicitor or conveyancer which helps ensure you are getting the advice and support that you’re paying for.
It is often worth considering using a local firm when selecting your solicitor or conveyancer. They are more likely to have knowledge of the local area, and be ready to answer your questions on the locality, should they arise. Furthermore, if you have an urgent enquiry or you wish to make a last-minute appointment, working with a local firm is much more convenient than having to travel any distance. It is also far more convenient to drop off, collect and sign important documents which are all part of the process. Reassurance that your solicitor or conveyancer is on hand and nearby means you have one less thing to worry about.
What to expect
Unfortunately, the house buying process isn’t always straightforward! A whole range of unexpected hurdles can crop up along the way, and this is just one of the many reasons why you need a professional to handle your case. Having the right solicitor or conveyancer on your side who you can develop a rapport with will help manage these hiccups when the going gets tough. Ideally, your solicitor or conveyancer will be local, quick to respond and will communicate to you in simple language that you understand.
Regular and clear lines of communication are a fundamental requirement you should expect from your solicitor or conveyancer. Any home buyer requires a professional who is honest, offering realistic timelines on the process while providing regular updates on the progress of your purchase. Throughout the process you want to ensure that you are always kept fully up to date with progress, and have your questions answered in a timely manner. Make sure you are dealing with a firm who offers all upfront costs, to ensure there are no nasty surprises on your bill upon completion.
Ready to buy?
Lavelle Estates are here to help with you all your house buying needs. If you’re searching for a home to buy in Liverpool, you can speak with your local agent or use the search tool on our site to search for a home.
Let’s get you moving!
