How to Choose a Conveyancer
There are so many conveyancers to choose from that it can be difficult to know which one will be best for your home move. Here are some things you should look for when choosing one.
Recommendation
Ask friends and family who have moved in the past for a recommendation. If they have found a good conveyancer and they are happy to give you their details, this can save you a lot of time and effort in shopping around yourself. It is also worth asking your estate agent who they would recommend. After all, they spend a lot of time dealing with the conveyancing process in their working life, and they will be able to tell you who the good ones are.
Location
There are some great online conveyancers around these days, but they will not know the location you are buying in as well as a local solicitor. There may be quirks that only apply to the area you are purchasing in. For example, the property could be built on a chalk pit or a flood plain, and your local solicitor will have a better understanding of this and be able to carry out additional checks for you if necessary. There is the bonus that you can pop into their offices for a chat or to sign paperwork if they are local rather than internet-based, as the conveyancing process can seem complicated. If these factors are important to you, then you are better off choosing a local solicitor who will explain any questions you have face-to-face.
Expertise
Many solicitors carry out the conveyancing process, but they have a lot of other work to do as well, so your move may not be a priority for them. If they don’t carry out conveyancing work regularly, they may be a bit out of practice too. It is often best to trust your property transaction to a conveyancer who only deals with property transactions. That way you know they are an expert in their field, and you are getting the best service.
Cost
Cost should not be the most important factor when choosing a conveyancer; after all, you do get what you pay for. However, many conveyancers will work on a no move/no fee basis, which could save you a fortune if your purchase doesn’t complete through no fault of your own. Unfortunately, this is a possibility, and it can leave you seriously out of pocket. Hiring a conveyancer who won’t charge if you don’t move could be a blessing, but hopefully you will not experience any problems.
Make sure you do your homework when choosing a conveyancer and there are less likely to be any problems with your transaction.
