subject: What To Look For When Appointing A Conveyancer [print this page] There is so much to consider when buying and selling your home, that when it comes to appointing a Conveyancer many of us tend to either go on recommendation via a friend or family member or get "bullied" into instructing a Conveyancer recommended by our Estate Agent or Mortgage Adviser, knowing full well that they will go onto receive a referral for the introduction. Surely then at a time when we are making one of the biggest financial commitments of our lives, why do we let other influence our decision making process? What should we be personally looking for when we appoint a Conveyancer?
Although there are many law firms to choose from, each offer different legal services, provide different levels of customer service and also have the ability to quote different conveyancing fees, it is always advisable to carry out your own research before appointing a Conveyancer.
Is the Conveyancer experienced?
The most important factor to consider is whether or not the law firm you are looking to instruct has an experienced Conveyancer and support staff working for them. Your transaction is likely to proceed more efficiently if an experienced Conveyancer is handling your case, somebody that specialises in property law and understands the conveyancing process inside out. Avoid the large "conveyancing factories" that often employ staff with little or no conveyancing knowledge. You might find that you know more about property law than they do!
Is the Conveyancer easily contactable?
Another important factor to consider is whether the Conveyancer is available to answer any of your legal questions you may have. Are they easily accessible via the telephone, do they provide a direct contact telephone number on their literature and are you able to make an appointment with them during your transaction? If the law firm never responds to any initial queries or emails, it may lead you to question their professionalism and whether or not they deserve your business.
What are the costs involved in employing the Conveyancer?
The cost to employ the Conveyancer is also one to consider, always obtain the conveyancing quotation in advance and always ensure that they work on a No Sale No Fee Basis and the conveyancing fees are fixed. You do not want to be presented with an inflated bill at the end of the transaction.
As has been highlighted there are many important questions to ask prior to appointing your Conveyancer, however it is thought that the launch of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) early next year will assist clients in their decision making process.
The Law Society has recently launched details of the new Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), due to go live in January 2011. The scheme is supported by the CML, the Building Association and the Association of British Insurers, its aim to allow prospective clients to identify good quality conveyancing law firms.
The new Law Society Transaction Protocol will introduce ongoing consistent quality professional standards which members will have to adhere to in order to achieve recognition, via the form of the Kitemark. This symbol will provide a visible confirmation of quality professionalism and commitment by law firms and it is hoped that the initiative will help reassure undecided clients and streamline the conveyancing process.
