Buying or selling a new house can feel like a minefield. From finding the perfect house to the house purchase itself, all the way to moving in, it can be a long process from start to finish. Having the correct support on your side is vital in making the process as smooth and seamless as possible.
One of the most important things when buying a house is choosing the right conveyancing firm for you. There are plenty of conveyancing solicitors out there, but it is not a one size fits all choice.
Recommendations
One of the best things about our modern world is that you can find out a lot about companies of all sorts before you even reach out to them. Choosing a conveyancing firm should be no different. You can look them up online and read reviews detailing the experiences of past clients. Remember that some less positive reviews are inevitable, as not everyone can be happy all the time, but ensure that most clients seem to have had a good experience.
These reviews should also tell you what parts of the service are great, and which are lacking, which will help you see how the specific values of the conveyancing solicitors marry up with what is important to you.
Word of mouth
Trusting the word of strangers on the internet might feel a little scary, so if you know someone who has recently sold or bought a house, ask them which conveyancing solicitor they used and what their experience was. This can help you to discover great conveyancing firms in your local area, and you will be able to ask the questions you need to be answered in an informal setting.
However, follow up any recommendations that you receive from friends and family with your own research. Knowing exactly what a solicitor’s credentials are is very important, and they should be happy and confident to provide information on this if you ask.
Keep it local
If someone has recommended an excellent conveyancing firm, or you have read about one online that has reasonable fees and fantastic service, it can be tempting to go a little outside your local area. While there is no need to use an immediately local conveyancing firm, it can be very beneficial. If they know the local area well, they will know a lot more about the value of the property and what others in the area have experienced. This can help you to get both the best support and the best outcome during your transaction.
Clear communication
From the start, your conveyancing solicitors should communicate with you clearly and quickly. Getting back to you in a timely manner and disclosing all the details you want and need are vital components of having a great working relationship. A good conveyancing solicitor will explain every step of the house buying journey to you and will always be there to support you and clarify things for you. Being able to have open communication is perhaps the most important part of choosing the right conveyancing firm for you.
Fees
Buying a new home can be one of the most expensive times of your life. You need to ensure that you are spending the right amount on a conveyancing firm and that you are getting the right amount of support for your money. A great firm will be transparent about its fees, and there should not be any hidden costs.
Solicitor fees can vary widely based on location and experience, and choosing the cheapest solicitor often means you are not getting the quality service you deserve. Don’t be afraid to ask around to see what each conveyancing firm charges, and what service they provide for your money.
Your mortgage lender
On a final note, you need to be sure that your mortgage lender is happy to work with the conveyancing solicitor that you choose. Selecting a solicitor who is not approved by your mortgage lender might cause an unnecessary headache down the line. If you have your heart set on a certain firm, they will be able to register with your mortgage lender, as long as your situation is not too time-sensitive.
With all of this in mind, you should be able to find the perfect conveyancing firm for you. Remember that selling or buying a house is stressful enough, so you need the right team on your side to help you go from first viewing to getting those keys.
