Buying and selling a property is stressful enough, so it’s important that you choose the right conveyancing solicitor to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Before instructing, you should ensure you ask the right questions to make sure your solicitor can provide exactly what you need.
How Much Do You Charge?
The last thing you want is a big bill at the end of the process full of unexpected costs you don’t understand. It’s important to know exactly what the fees cover, because very often, the total fee is broken into different parts, such as a basic fee for time and labour, as well as third-party costs, disbursements and other additional expenses.
Bear in mind that if some conveyancing solicitors quotes seem low, they may only be covering basic fees, so be sure to ask for an itemised quote breaking down everything that it includes to avoid any surprises.
When Do I Need To Pay?
It is also prudent to clarify exactly when you’ll be expected to pay your conveyancing bill. Different firms handle this in various ways. Sometimes the bill is settled on exchange, sometimes on completion, some firms require a deposit and others require disbursements to be paid as they come up along the process, while others settle at the end in the final bill. A clear answer on this before instruction will reduce stress further down the line.
What Costs Do I Have To Pay If The Sale Falls Through?
Should the worst happen and the sale doesn’t go ahead, it is wise to be clear about what costs you will still have to pay. Even though some companies offer a ‘no move, no fee’ arrangement, you should get clarification on what exactly this means as often upfront costs and third-party expenses are not covered.
Who Will Be Handling My Case?
Having a good working relationship with your conveyancing solicitor is important during what is already a pressured process, but by asking this question, you will also get an idea of the experience of the solicitor who will handle your case. Having a more junior team member working your case is not necessarily a bad thing; if it’s straightforward then this is a great way to keep costs down. However, more complex cases may require a more experienced conveyancing solicitor. Specialist firms such as Sam Conveyancing can offer advice as to the most suitable solicitor for your particular case.
How Will You Keep Me Updated and How Often?
Finding out when and how you will be kept up to date will reduce frustration further down the line. It’s also a good idea to set out your own expectations before you start working together. In what is naturally quite a slow process, some people prefer a check-in now and then, even if the update is minor, whereas others are happy to just be told about changes as and when they happen.
What Is Your Disputes Procedure?
This is an unlikely scenario if you choose a reputable conveyancing solicitor and have done your research thoroughly, but it is still important to know what the process is if things go wrong. It’s also important to note that the Legal Ombudsman will only step in once you have exhausted the firm’s own grievance procedure, so you should be aware of what it is before you instruct them.
Finding the right conveyancing solicitor for your needs means asking the right questions at the start and will make the entire buying and selling process much easier and less stressful in the long run.