subject: 3 Tips To Choose A Good Conveyancing Service [print this page] When you are buying a new property, it is likely to be one of the largest financial transactions in your life. It is a complex process that requires attention to detail and making sure that the entire conveyancing process takes place within the specified time frames of the contract.
It is certainly possible to do all of the legal work yourself, if you are prepared to put in the time and you have a certain amount of legal expertise. But with such a large amount of money involved it is a good idea to engage the services of a competent conveyancing service to get the job done properly for you.
In the majority of cases a property transfer usually goes through without any hitches, but there are also many occasions, where small problems arise and if you don't have competent advice, you can find yourself on the end of a hefty fee, if you cannot settle the transaction in time.
So, it's time to look at the hallmarks of a good conveyancing service and what questions you should be asking yourself, when you make this important decision.
Fees. Most conveyancing firms will charge a reasonable fee as they are engaged in a fairly competitive industry. It's a good idea to phone around and check with several firms to make sure the fee being charged is reasonable and in accordance with the usual practices. If you have a more complex transaction to conduct you have to be prepared to pay a little more to get the expertise you need.
Competence. Most conveyancing firms are qualified and experienced in all aspects of property transfers, but it is a good idea to ask about the experience of the person, who will be handling your particular contract. This way you can be sure to get the correct answers to your questions at each stage of the conveyancing process. It is simply not good enough for a company to claim they have had many years experience, if the person dealing with your transaction does not have the same level of competence.
Searches. Make sure you ask about the number and cost of searches that you should be making on your property. If the transaction is simply between family members, there may be no need for any searches whatsoever, but depending on the type of property your conveyancing firm should be able to assist you in determining which searches are appropriate. If you can't get a clear answer at your enquiry stage then you should probably seek the assistance of another firm.
Remember that the conveyancing firm will not be able to give you a complete quote unless they have all the details of your transaction. That is why it is important to go over every aspect of your contract and make sure you cover every concern you have before you make your decision.
