When it comes to buying or selling your property, it is important to choose the right specialist conveyancer or solicitor. Conveyancing involves the transfer of the legal title of property from one individual to the other. It also deals with the granting of a mortgage. In competent hands, you can experience much less stress, lower cost and time in buying or selling your home. You should acquire the service of a conveyancer even before purchasing property or before making up your mind to sell. In the heart of this guide, we will look at how to choose the right conveyancer.
Difference between a Specialist Conveyancer and Solicitor
A specialist conveyancer is a professional that is only trained in practicing conveyancing law and in dealing with acquisition or selling of property and land. On the other hand, a solicitor is a legal practitioner who is licensed to provide other legal services coupled with conveyancing, based on their area of specialty. For instance, you might appoint a solicitor for conveyancing and also drawing up your will or representing you in a divorce.
Factors to Consider
When you are looking to acquire the service of a licensed conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor, what key factors should you focus on to ensure you’ve chosen a firm that is experienced, efficient, and reliable? Here are the things to consider:
Background Check
Having seen a conveyancer, you should carry out a background check to make sure that they’re legally allowed to do your job and that there are no complaints about their service. The Australian Institute of Conveyancers (AIC) can be of help in this regard, but as the profession operates under strict rules of conduct, poor experiences are not so common.
To do some background check on your conveyancer, you could ask them the following questions:
- Do you operate under the AIC?
- What are the types of property that you primarily specialize in?
- What are the timeframes on settlement day? This question is vital if you need furniture removalists and similar parties.
The answers you receive for these inquiries will tell you more about the service of the conveyancer.
Price of Service
One of the major reasons prospects appoint a conveyancer is price … fair price. Some individuals seek the best deal; some are looking for a price that is neither too high nor low, and other persons would be willing to pay more for superior service. Whichever the categories you belong, the most important thing is to know relevant details about the package you’re paying for. You need to know if you will be expected to make payment for any extras, and when you are required to make such payments.
Though most people know payment has to be made for searches to be undertaken by the solicitors, other smaller charges, such as disbursements, are not often obvious. Make sure that you ask your conveyancing firm to break the quote down for you to know the things included and those that aren’t. If the conveyancer is recommended for you by an estate agent, you need to ask about the referral charge of the estate agent.
Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials are still some of the best ways to know how good the service of a company is. When you read them, make sure that they are genuine. Try to go through different reviews for different solicitors and then be sure to observe and learn more about people’s keen perception of their service.
Communication
The process of property acquisition, no doubt, can be convoluted as well as confusing, particularly for first-timers. A conveyancer firm, which communicates with you as this process is going on, is certainly the type you need to choose. Great conveyancers communicate with you clearly at every step of the way, addressing your concerns in a friendly manner.
All in all, choosing the right conveyancer could be the single most important step you have to take toward getting your property sold or buying a house without hassle. A conveyance firm, which is accredited, well-qualified, communicative, and informed, can help reduce any additional stress, allowing you focus on other things, such as finding a removals service and settling down in your new house.