Category: Buyer, First Time Buyer, Popular guides, Remortgage, Sale & Purchase, Seller
Moving home can be confusing enough. So, you don't need the added pressure of working out how to find a conveyancer too. For many people, the role of a conveyancer can be confusing in itself. And that means it won't be easy to know exactly what you're looking for - and what questions to ask once you find one.
Knowing how to choose a good conveyancing solicitor can make the whole buying and selling experience as quick and painless as possible. At Homeward Legal, we're here to support you when the time comes to move. So, here are some of the key things to ask yourself or think about when you want to find a conveyancing solicitor.
What does a conveyancer do?
First, it's helpful to know exactly what a conveyancer does. Only then can you really appreciate why you need to find a conveyancer when buying and selling your home. As part of the moving process, there are several different stages that involve a lot of paperwork. It includes contracts, searches, and the transfer of funds. And a good conveyancer can make all the difference.
We believe a good conveyancer should be efficient, reliable, and always there to answer your questions. And we're here to help you find a conveyancer who ticks all of these boxes and more. The right choice can make sure your process goes quicker and keep any stress to a minimum. It can reduce the chance of something going wrong too, which could save you money in the long run. So, how do you make the right choice?
Here are the main points to think about.
1. Do I need a conveyancer or solicitor?
First, let's explore the difference between a licensed conveyancer and a conveyancing solicitor.
A conveyancer will only specialise in property and is fully regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. A conveyancing solicitor, meanwhile, is a qualified lawyer who will adhere to standards set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Both are qualified to help you when moving home. But a solicitor will have the experience and authority to deal with more complex cases - including boundary disputes, lease extensions, or dealing with more than one lawyer due to a seller's divorce proceedings.
In most cases, however, it makes no real difference if you instruct a conveyancer or a solicitor. It shouldn't have too much impact on the final outcome. The more important factor is whether or not they do a good job for you and your family.
2. Is my solicitor/conveyancer approved by my mortgage lender?
If you're buying a house with a mortgage, a lender will usually only work with certain approved professionals. That means you'll need to find a conveyancer who is on the lender panel. You can instruct someone who isn't on this list. But you will have to pay the lender's representation. And this can be costly and complex.
3. Are there benefits of instructing a local solicitor/conveyancer?
A local solicitor or conveyancer might have been the first choice for many people several years ago due to their extra knowledge of surrounding areas. Now, however, the internet means you have so much choice. And it can also make choosing a conveyancing solicitor even easier.
If you find the right conveyancer for you, but they're not local, everything can be done remotely. They can also do just as good a job as a local one. Paperwork and questions can all be dealt with by email or phone.
Ultimately, it isn't necessary for you to find a local conveyancer - unless you want or need to.
4. What do other people say about them?
Now, this can be a really useful way to know how to choose a good conveyancing solicitor. As there are so many options out there, making the right choice can be tough. Online reviews or recommendations can guide you, however, and sites like Trustpilot can be good for this.
At Homeward Legal, we have hundreds of five-star Trustpilot reviews. So, you're able to read more about the happy and positive experiences of our satisfied buyers and sellers. And it can be one of the best ways of knowing how to find a good conveyancer.
My estate agent helped me find a conveyancer. Should I use them?
Reviews can tell you a lot about the service you'll get. But it's important to be careful who you listen to. Some opinions may not be in your best interest. Your estate agent, for example, may offer to help you find a conveyancer.
If so, there's no reason you won't get a good service. But your estate agent is likely to earn a commission or referral fee for doing so. Knowing how to find a good conveyancer by yourself can save you money. At Homeward Legal, we can walk you through the conveyancing process from start to finish and help you find a conveyancer that's right for you.
We offer a fixed-legal fee** service with no completion, no fee.† Our CQS-accredited solicitors also come with extensive local experience so you can be sure they have everything covered.
To find a conveyancing solicitor and get your next move started, call Homeward Legal today on . or use our online instant conveyancing quote tool below to receive your quote in seconds.
Your Fixed Legal Fee** quote from Homeward Legal ensures that you pay no more than we have quoted you for and is based on the information you’ve provided to us being true and accurate.
There are specific circumstances on a minority of transactions that may require additional charges that could not be foreseen at the outset.
A list of those charges and explanations can be found here with details of the potential cost. These will only be charged following discussion with your conveyancer with a clear explanation of what they are for.
No Completion No Fee† is our promise that in the unfortunate event that your property transaction falls-through you will not be liable for any of the conveyancer’s fixed legal fees for the work completed.
To secure this benefit a fee, already included in your quote, is taken upon on deciding to go ahead with your transaction.
Should your transaction fall through, for whatever reason, we can hold this amount on account for your next transaction or provide a refund.