Avoid the Property Pitfalls.

Three good reasons to use a Lawyer.  You're probably thinking, hey, wait a minute, why wouldn’t I use a Lawyer?

Well, the plain truth is many first time buyers are lulled into a false sense of security by well-meaning estate agents providing conveyancing and mortgage services under one roof.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, it’s perfectly legal and adequate for a vast majority of straightforward cases.  However, there is often a hefty price to pay for this service which does in fact leave the buyer without any independent legal advice.
Just a few weeks ago, we heard of someone who was doing just what I mentioned above and concerns were raised as the friend was left without much of the information and costs associated.   My advice, is and will always be, use a trusted local law practice to do the conveyancing, because within the package you should get up-to-date independent legal advice.

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Without a lot of preamble, in a nutshell, these are the reasons why I prefer to use a Lawyer over and above a simple Conveyancer:

1. A conveyancer is usually an ex legal secretary, can have no legal qualifications, whereas a Lawyer has a law degree and experience in the field, quite a difference.
2. A conveyancer is usually a Licenced Conveyancer , the Licence is  for residential property work only, this in itself limits scope and experience.  The licensing organisation works to support the members, whereas a Solicitor/Lawyer undertaking property work, is guided by the rules of the Law Society  which are far stricter.
3. Conveyancing through an Estate Agent’s affiliated company is often the same as using a Law factory.   It’s important to remember your sensitive details, passport and documents will need to be sent onto the factory for legal verification. And any documents once signed will need sending through the post.  The only way to avoid delays with post going astray is registered post both ways, funded by you.  This all mounts up costing a lot of time and money and is quite frankly is nerve racking when you’ve no idea who you’re dealing with.  The simple and safest alternative is to use law practice where final transaction is face to face.

​Call me old fashioned if you must, but in my experience dealing with a trusted Law Firm that you can see face to face (see white of their eyes) is safer, more pleasant and a lovely antidote to the digital day-to-day workings of 2015.
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Finally, most modern Law firms will be able to send out their instructing and initial documents by email which can be signed, and scanned back without any fuss.

​We all like a happy ending don’t we?  With that in mind, here’s the lovely cottage in the country with the roses around the door.

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Until next time
Joanna x

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Please note that this is only my opinion as a user and not a qualified Licenced Conveyancer or Property Lawyer.  If you think what I have written is interesting or useful, feel free to let me know; if not, be nice.