When in the process of buying, selling, or remortgaging your property, the idea of conveyancing may come into the picture. For the uninitiated, conveyancing is the legal transfer of ownership from one owner to another.
In real estate, conveyancing can be a detailed and complicated legal process. When you plan to purchase or sell your property, it's imperative to hire a conveyancer to help you out in the entire process.
A conveyancing solicitor does more than meets the eye. While they do most of the legwork, the ultimate goal is to have the contracts signed between the buyer and the seller, which translates into a successful legal sale of a property.
One of the frequently asked questions is whether hiring an online conveyancing service is a viable option to take. Of course, an online conveyancer can help you out in the legal process; however, there are a few vital considerations to make.
Here are six key factors to consider when hiring an online conveyancing solicitor in the UK.
1. Level of support
Hiring an online conveyancing solicitor entails ensuring you are getting a high level of support. Your appointed solicitor needs to pull off almost all the leg work while you have a few core responsibilities to take.
As you may expect, conveyancing is such a complicated process. Your conveyancer needs to perform the following responsibilities:
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Liaise with the other party's solicitor
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Request and get a copy of the mortgage offer
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Conduct local authority searches and analyse the results
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Arrange the completion date with both parties
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Transfer the deposit to the seller's conveyancer
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Prepare the transfer deed and have it signed
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Request mortgage payment from the lender
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Submit a tax return
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Forward the title deed to the mortgage lender
To gauge the support level, you have to consider how the communication will be. Whether done over the phone, via chat, or email, make sure that you and your online conveyancer have constant contact. After all, communication is the key to successful dealing.
2. Local knowledge
When hiring an online conveyancing service, you may expect a solicitor to handle global clients. While conveyancers have extensive knowledge of the legal process, it's best to work with someone who has local experience.
As discussed above, the responsibilities of a conveyancer have a broad scope. Most of these include working with the local property buyer or seller, local realtors, mortgage lenders, and local authorities. If your conveyancer understands the local market and knows how to work in the local context, you're on the right track.
3. Client reviews
Another crucial step to take is to check online reviews. You may have some recommendations from family, friends, and colleagues or a few prospects via online searches. At this juncture, you may already have a shortlist of a few worthy candidates.
If you do, it's time to check some client reviews and see who has done a great job. Apart from the knowledge, skills, or expertise, check their work ethic and sense of professionalism. You also have to gauge their area of specialisation, level of expertise, and track record of experience. From there, you can further trim down your choices into at least three potential online conveyancers.
4. Online case tracking
As working with an online conveyancer proves to be challenging, it's best to see if they have an online case tracking. During the hiring process, be sure to ask your prospects if they have online case tracking or something related.
As you can see, online case tracking allows you to check the progress of the legal process. This method also provides room for transparency, where you will be constantly aware of what your online conveyancer is doing. As much as possible, you must be able to view documents and paperwork to see their preparation and signing progress. Ultimately, it's best if the online conveyancing firm you hire is highly reliable and always up-to-date.
5. Potential leaseholder woes
A good conveyancer, whether online or not, clearly explains what your lease means for you. They should be able to discuss any restrictions and costs involved in any agreement.
One major problem you should be wary of is any potential leaseholder problem. The chances are that there may be clauses on the contract that may seem unfavourable to you or hidden fees that you may be responsible for in the future.
Hence, be highly critical and ask your online conveyancer on any possibility. Ask the right questions and have good foresight. That way, you won't end up with possible pitfalls and disputes in the future.
6. Overall cost
On top of your decision-making is the overall cost of the conveyancing service. You may opt for online conveyancing as this option proves to be a lot cheaper than working with a conveyancer in person. However, before you take the plunge, be highly critical and decisive.
Of course, you don't want to fall prey on poor and mediocre services. To avoid these, be sure to consider the other key factors discussed above. As much as possible, you would need to strike a balance between affordability and quality conveyancing service.
When it comes to pricing, shop around, and get multiple quotes. From there, compare service costs and see what works for your budget without compromising service quality. With all these in mind, you'll make the right decision by hiring the right online conveyancer.
Conclusion
Conveyancing can be a complicated legal process. However, your chosen online conveyancer's quality service and being an informed and responsive client can make all the difference.
When on the lookout for the right conveyancing solicitor in the UK, consider the following factors—the level of support, local knowledge, client reviews, online case tracking, potential leaseholder woes, and the overall cost.
With all these in mind, you'll be able to get the perfect online conveyancing service. Whether you're buying, selling, or remortgaging your property, the whole legal process will be streamlined, efficient, and ultimately successful!
Are you looking to compare conveyancing fees in the UK? We provide instant online conveyancing quotes that will help you search for the right property solicitor. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
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