When you are buying or selling a property, you will need to engage the services of a conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the transaction. When seeking conveyancing solicitors quotes, there are questions you should ask to ensure your chosen conveyancer will meet your expectations and deliver within your budget. Let’s take a look at six of the key questions that should be answered.
1. What services do you provide?
Ask your conveyancer to provide an itemised list of the services they will provide if you hire them. Companies such as https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/conveyancing-quote will be happy to explain who they will engage with and why, the searches they will request, the checks they will undertake, and how they will keep you informed. You are likely to feel more confident when you know exactly what you are paying for.
2. How much will conveyancing cost?
Conveyancing solicitors rarely charge by the hour. Online firms have forced them onto a more level playing field by offering competitive fixed rates for conveyancing services; however, costs can vary greatly between firms, so it is always worth getting a written quote before engaging the services of your chosen firm. Remember that cheapest does not mean best; what you are looking for is value for money.
3. Does your fee include disbursements?
‘Disbursements’ is a legal term that describes the third-party costs incurred during a property transaction. Many solicitors will include the cost of disbursements within their fee to ensure pricing transparency; however, it is always worth checking, as it would be an unhappy surprise to discover at completion that the price quoted is different from the price charged.
4. Will there be a nominated point of contact?
Some firms will nominate a dedicated point of contact to handle your property transaction, while others will make use of technology to ensure you remain updated on the progress of your sale or purchase. It is important to understand how you will be kept informed and communicate with your conveyancer, as delays or misunderstandings could have costly repercussions. It will be easier to build rapport with a nominated point of contact.
5. How long does the conveyancing process take?
Your conveyancer will be unable to guarantee a timescale, but they will be able to provide a reasonable estimate based on their current workload, the type of property you are buying, your circumstances, and the time it has taken to progress similar property transactions.
6. How can the process be made easier?
Your conveyancer will ask you to communicate, answer their questions swiftly, sign and return all documentation within the stated timescales, and organise mortgage applications and surveys in as short a turnaround as possible.
