Moving Home? Laceys top 5 tips on how to choose the right Conveyancer.
19th May 2020 by John Munro
Moving house can be complicated, with many people referring to it as ‘the most stressful time in their lifes’. Choose the right conveyancer, and they will make the process as easy and stress free as possible.
A conveyancer has a vital role to play in handling all the legal aspects of your property sale or purchase and should give you peace of mind that the important details are being looked after.
If you are unsure where to start looking, read our top 5 tips below to choosing the right conveyancer.
TIP 1: Communication is Key
Communication is key to keeping stress at bay. You need a conveyancer who will listen to your concerns, identify and explain any issues, provide solutions, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Whist it may be tempting to choose an online conveyancer based on cost alone, you are more likely to end up dealing with a different person every time you call who may not be familiar with your transaction. Ideally you should look for a local conveyancing firm which knows the area and which will appoint a single person to handle your sale or purchase from start to finish, allowing for quicker communication and a more personal service. Select a firm you know and ask who will be looking after your transaction, it could save you a lot of frustration in the long run.
TIP 2: Local Knowledge
You shouldn’t underestimate using a local conveyancer who has a good knowledge of the local area and understands any local issues or factors that may influence your move.
Using a local firm also makes it easier if you need to deliver documents in person. It is also helpful to have the option of a face to face meeting with your conveyancer to discuss any questions or concerns you may have and a good conveyancer will always be happy to make the time to meet you and put your mind at ease.
TIP 3: Going cheap may cost you!
The conveyancer you choose will be responsible for all the legal aspects of your sale or purchase and whilst you might want to keep costs to a minimum during what is undoubtedly an expensive exercise, don’t let it lead you to an inexperienced or inflexible conveyancer. The cheaper the conveyancer’s fees, the more likely it is that you will be dealing with unqualified staff who are following a tick list as opposed to an experienced and qualified lawyer who can adapt to your specific circumstances.
With conveyancing, you get what you pay for.
Also check the cost estimate you are provided with by your conveyancer details all legal fees and other payments so that you can budget for your transaction. Sometimes a cheaper “quote” does not always include all costs of the transaction. A good conveyancer will always provide you with a transparent cost estimate detailing all likely costs.
TIP 4: Expertise counts
No two property transactions are the same, so it’s important you appoint someone who specialises in conveyancing who will be able to guide you through the process and ensure everything progresses efficiently.
This may sound obvious but this is not an area of law to rely on favours or inexperience, the standard of service can vary dramatically from one firm to another. Online conveyancing firms often employ unqualified staff in order to keep their fees attractive.
TIP 5: Plan ahead and follow recommendations
Often, when buying or selling a property, people find themselves choosing a conveyancer in a hurry, at the point when they are ready to make or accept an offer. Try and avoid this, as it often results in careless decisions.
Your estate agent or mortgage broker may be able to recommend someone, and friends and family are also worth asking as they will base their recommendation on their own personal experience.
Contact Us
If you would like to speak to our property team about buying or selling a property, please contact Kelly Howe on k.howe@laceyssolicitors.co.uk or 01202 377800.
John Munro
Partner — Commercial and Residential Property
Direct dial: 01202 377839
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“John Munro was friendly and very approachable, advising me with a clear depth of knowledge and experience. I have since recommended him and will do so if asked in the future.”
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“Having dealt with Laceys on many a sale and purchase I’ve always found them to be efficient, knowledgeable and attentive. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to family, friends and clients.”
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“We have always been very happy with the service provided by Laceys Solicitors, in both our business legal requirements and domestic property conveyancing.”
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“You are our solicitor Superhero! Very grateful. ”
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“Changing solicitors is not to be undertaken lightly. However really impressed with the way that John Munro and his associates have dealt with us over the last couple of years in a variety of complex property related transactions and on the commercial and personal front as well. We look forward to working with them going forward.”
John joined Laceys in 2001 on a training contract, having completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Law in 2000, and qualified as a solicitor in 2003. He is now the Head of the Commercial and Residential Property Departments.
He is also the firm’s Senior Responsible Officer under the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) with overall responsibility for the management of the property team and their delivery of the excellent service that our clients have come to expect.
John acts in his own capacity for a number of commercial property owners, developers and investors, but also allocates time to ensure his team are up to speed with changing law and professional regulations and clients are provided with members of the team who possess the right skills to deal with their individual requirements, delivering projects in the most time and cost-efficient manner.
Outside of work John seems to spend a great deal of time ferrying his children around but occasionally gets to put his feet up and listen to his eclectic collection of vinyl. He is also not averse to a good cheeseboard and a glass of IPA.
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