Buying or selling a house is right up there on the list of the most stressful things you can do. A lot of the stress can be removed if the process runs smoothly, and in some part that can be down to having the right legal team working for you. Here are our suggestions for how to choose a conveyancing solicitor.
What will they do for me?
It’s up to you whether you choose a solicitor or a conveyancer, and the term tends to be used interchangeably by those outside the industry. The role is very similar. Essentially, their task is to complete all the required paperwork and legal documentation on your behalf when you buy or sell a house or other property.
How much will it cost?
There are so many variables in a property sale that it can be quite difficult to predict an accurate cost all the time. That said, there are solicitors who will offer a fixed rate so you know how much you’ll pay before you start. Others offer a ‘no sale, no fee’ deal, which can also be useful given the number of property sales that fall through.
When you are looking for quotes, be sure to look at any extras, and anything you’ll have to pay up front. Often the ‘disbursements,’ (fees associated with Land Registry documents, for example), will be charged in addition to the fees you pay the solicitor.
You should be looking for value for money with your conveyancing solicitor. Buying or selling a house is rarely a speedy process but sometimes you might be in a hurry. In that instance, there are things a solicitor might be able to do to speed things up, but you should expect to pay a higher bill. The most important thing is that your legal work is done efficiently and thoroughly.
Ask a friend
Look for recommendations from people you know, including your estate agent. They will be dealing with solicitors all the time and will have a good overview of the local market. Speak to the firms of conveyancers as well, before you make your choice. Firms like Sam Conveyancing offer conveyancing and expertise in all elements of the buying and selling process.
For more information on how to choose a conveyancing solicitor, read the article from The Advisory and make sure you instruct the best conveyancing solicitors in your area.
It is worth taking time to choose a conveyancing solicitor to make the whole process run more smoothly. Sometimes a relatively simple-looking transactions can turn out to much more complicated but your solicitor will likely have seen it all before.
