If you are buying or selling a house, you will need conveyancer services to transfer all the legal ownership. In some cases, a solicitor can also do this process, but it is more ideal to get the services of a conveyancer since they have more specialized knowledge when it comes to properties.
Conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers and are specialist property lawyers who are fully insured. It should also be noted that conveyancers focus specifically on residential homes so they will be able to assist you more thoroughly with all the things you may be needing as a residential homeowner.
If you are getting a mortgage
Mortgage lenders will only interact or deal with certain conveyancers. These conveyancers are usually on their “panel” list, and conveyancers usually pay the lender the privilege to be on that list. If they are not on the list, this can lead to unnecessary complications on your part, and you may not even get the money you need to purchase a property.
Make sure that your conveyancer is part of the panel of the bank or building society connected with your mortgage. If they are not part of the panel, ask them to register to be a part of that lender. Registration may take some time, though, and you may miss your chances because you failed to choose the right conveyancer.
Ask family and colleagues for referrals
Your family and friends may have already gone through dealings with conveyancers in the past. Because of this, they can give you honest referrals of the best conveyancers. Ask them what it is like working with a certain professional and how their experiences was.
Seek professional opinions
A good conveyancer will have a positive reputation in the industry. Ask among professionals about a good conveyancer. Real estate agents, accountants, mortgage brokers, and other trusted property experts will surely have someone to recommend. They may have dealt with a conveyancer in the past or heard about someone with positive reviews.
Go to conveyancer’s website
If you are a total newbie and don’t have anyone who can recommend to you a good place to start is going to the website Australian Institute of Conveyancers. This is the organization representing every registered and licensed conveyancer in the country. You will be able to find a qualified conveyancer near you since they list conveyancers in each division in your state. You should come up with a short-list of possible conveyancers to interview.
Online Searches
When all others fail, you can go to Google to find what you are looking for. Search for conveyancers in your area and see what information you can gather online. Most conveyancers will have an online presence so you can narrow down your search and get a glimpse of what each conveyancer has to offer based on the facts and information on their website.
Fees
Conveyancers will always charge fees, and the amount they charge is not the same for each. Fees will depend on location and reputation. If you are purchasing a house, it will be a challenge to your budget, so make sure that you allot just the right amount of money for the cost of conveyancing. The most affordable conveyancer is not necessarily the best choice, and you should be cautious if the amount is much lower than what you were expecting.
Do a background check
Conveyancers who are experienced are more adept at handling your conveyancing than junior ones. Don’t be hesitant to ask your potential conveyancer what experience they have and what qualifications they hold. A conveyancer must be able to demonstrate their ability to handle your particular issue.
You should also do a background check of their previous work. Are their former clients happy? Were there any complaints against them? Make sure they have a solid track record of delivering exceptional and outstanding service.
When you meet your conveyancer for the first time, you will have a “gut feeling” about them. You seem to instantly know if they are the right fit for you. Don’t be afraid of these red flags because they may cause you discomfort in the end. Some red flags are trouble scheduling a meeting or taking days to respond to an e-mail. This person may not be good at communicating and will not be a very good conveyancer.
Don’t take an estate agent’s recommendation
Real estate agencies want to turn up a profit because they are faced with financial problems, and one way to find a solution for this is to have an agreement with conveyancers. Most often, an estate agent will recommend a particular conveyancer. This often means they already have a financial agreement for every client they pass on. Because of this, you may end up getting poor service than if you had taken the time to seek out your own conveyancer.
Local Knowledge
You may be tempted to hire a conveyancer from a different location because their rates appeal to you. However, this may have bad consequences. It is better to hire a conveyancer in your local area because they specialize in that location. A local conveyancer will know the local news and developments that could potentially affect your property purchase. Hiring a local conveyancer will speed up the completion of papers and other processes.
Communication
Buying a property can be convoluted and confusing. If you are a first-time buyer, you need all the help you can get. A conveyancer who is a good communicator and explains the process as it unfolds is someone you should seek out. If you have to be the one building the communication gap between you and your conveyancer, that is additional and unneeded stress since you are already dealing with the hassle of buying a property. Good and experienced conveyancers are with you every step of the way and should be readily available when you need them.
Final Thoughts
Buying or selling a home is a process that should be hassle- and stress-free. If you are buying a home, the prospect of building a new life and enjoying your new acquisition should be your foremost concern. Hire professionals with a good track record to make sure you get the best service possible when entering the process of new acquisitions.
