Choose the best conveyancing service and move faster

Conveyancing services are generally not known for being fast, cheap, problem free or widely available online. That doesn’t mean that every firm is like this so you need to ensure from the very outset that you choose a conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor that is going to be pro-active and actually care about the biggest investment you are likely to ever make. Arc Property Solicitors LLP provide national coverage so geography is rarely a problem.

Its sometimes hard if not impossible to tell at the outset but here are a few tips to guide you in the right direction: -

Should I use a national conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor?

In years gone by, sellers and buyers have given their conveyancing to their family or just any local solicitor perhaps even one suggested by their estate agent, financial advisor or mortgage broker.

Too many of us are paying too much money and to add to the problems, don't end up with a fast conveyancing service. Ask yourself why the estate agent, financial advisor or mortgage broker is really recommending a particular solicitor. It could be because they are good but more often than not, it is likely that they are making a substantial commission from the referral. This information must be disclosed to you (usually in the small print) but will perhaps give you a more balanced view as to the real reason for the recommendation.

There are very few "real value for money" specialist conveyancing firms who act fast out there so what are the chances of your family or local solicitor being one of them?

Opting for a national conveyancing firm is nearly always better. Going for one that has the latest online capability will also help avoid problems.

How do I find the best conveyancing service?

These days the internet provides everyone with easy information and instant online access to specialist conveyancing firms, often with a fast quote facility backed up by fixed fee and no completion, no fee policies as standard. This means that you can choose a national conveyancing firm so the choices are far wider.

This is a massive benefit because property transactions are always unpredictable particularly in the current economic climate.

There are many cheap or discount conveyancing firms advertised online that want your business. We have come across too many (including some national conveyancing firms) however that show a very low or seemingly discount headline rate but once you examine the information in the small print, you will often find many hidden extras such as indemnity fund contributions, charges for faxing, acting for the lender, postage, completing the stamp duty land transaction form, repaying the mortgage, exorbitant bank transfer fees, charging for identity checks – frankly the list is endless. We have even come across firms that charge depending on how many days you have between exchange of contracts and completion!

When you’re considering any conveyancing firm (national or local) we would never recommend that you make your choice based purely on cost as that is perhaps asking for problems. You should perhaps just be as interested in whether the firm specialises in conveyancing services to stand any chance of getting a fast service. The market is very fragmented and there are no clear market leaders out there. The key is to obtain as much information as possible at the outset.

Why should I care who carries out my conveyancing?

This is likely to be the largest single investment you’re going to ever make. Get it wrong and you could be saddled with something you cannot sell. Ok so the conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor is insured but how long do you think it will take to resolve going through the court?

Any decent conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor will have a thorough knowledge of the process and be able to apply it to our circumstances. It’s a stressful process so be sure to use someone that knows what they’re doing. Sounds simple but get it wrong and you could end up regretting it!

Follow this simple advice and you should have a better experience.

1. Choose a firm that specialises in residential conveyancing

When choosing a conveyancing service, experience is the most important thing to look for as generally that will make the conveyancing service faster. Also opting for a firm that can provide national coverage is often better.

Be wary of general practitioners that are jack of all trades but master of none! Equally, be wary of conveyancing factories that rarely give the kind of service you need if you are moving home.

2. Ask for the name of the person handling your case

On top of that you should be given the name of someone that you can speak to in case they are not available. Indeed, you should be given a direct dial and of course a direct email address.

3. Use the latest in information systems (IT)

These features separate the progressive conveyancing service providers from the dinosaurs. Believe me when I say that there are still firms out there that use typewriters!

You should employ a conveyancing firm that has proper information systems including online access. If you ask for an email address and they say what’s that – its time to hang up fast!

Online Case Tracking is useful in providing information on the progress of your case. Some even often SMS text messaging to update you.

4. Operate on a "No completion, no fee" policy

This is more widely available now so why bother with any that still charge if the case aborts? Why create a problem for yourself?

5. Operate on a "Fixed Fee" policy

A fixed fee lets you budget accurately. Only if you start to change the nature of what you’re asking the conveyancing solicitor to do will it ever change but you should always be told in advance of any increases.

6. On all major lenders' panels

The market is swamped with sole practitioners that are not accepted onto all lender panels. They will generally require at least two partners.

If the conveyancing firm you choose is not on your lender's approved panel, your lender will instruct one that is at your expense and often lead to unnecessary delays.

Buyer beware when seeking conveyancing quotes

Any conveyancing quote should provide information on the solicitor's basic fee (i.e. what they charge to do the work) and the disbursements (these are things a conveyancer has to pay other people for on your behalf e.g. searches, stamp duty land tax, bank transfer fees and so on).

Unfortunately (as we covered above) you do need to be a little wary when seeking quotes as a practice has emerged for hiding the true conveyancing cost. The best way is to look at the total cost rather than just at headline rates. In addition, be wary of the information in the small print.

A little trick some conveyancing firms like to employ is to invent disbursements.

They take tasks and charges that should be covered within the basic solicitor's fee, call them disbursements or "supplemental fees" and put a price tag on them.

When do I instruct my conveyancing solicitor?

Now that Home Information Packs are required for the vast majority of homes, it is more important than ever to instruct as early as possible – i.e. even before going to see the estate agent or in the case of a buyer, as soon as you decide to find a property. It should not cost you any more as a result of this but puts you in the best possible position right at the very start of the transaction.

Why Arc Property Solicitors LLP?

Well we've simply developed our conveyancing service to answer all the problems with our industry.

To obtain an instant no obligation quote, click here.

Otherwise to find out more or to just speak to someone, please act now by clicking here.