Choosing the right online conveyancing solicitors firm can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the house buying and selling process. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
First and foremost, it is essential to do your research. Look for an accredited conveyancing solicitor who has experience in dealing with property transactions. Conveyancing firms can be regulated by three key entities. Namely, The Solicitors Regulations Authority (SRA), Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) or Chartered Legal Executives (Cilex). All three bodies regulate their members in very similar ways however CLC and Cilex members tend to be primarily property experts whilst SRA Solicitors tend although proficient in all areas in law, not necessarily experts in property law by default. Either way, property law professionals regardless of which regulator it is, falls under the category of Reserved Instruments within the definition of The Legal Services Act. What this means in very simple terms is that there are no freelance conveyancers as you would increasingly see in other areas of law. There are self-employed and sole practitioner firms, but they will always be attached to a Firm.
You should also check for reviews and customer feedback from other clients to ensure that the service provided is up to scratch. Also take into account the type of property transaction you will be undertaking as certain solicitors may have more experience and knowledge in certain types of transactions.
Once you have identified a few potential candidates, make sure to compare their conveyancing fees and services. Different conveyancing solicitors offer different services and may have different pricing structures. It’s important to find an option that meets your needs, offers a competitive price and that is within your budget. Be sure to also check what other services they provide, such as legal advice on contracts or advice on taxation and stamp duty. Generally speaking, if a conveyancer is advertising themselves as an online conveyancer, they would always offer an instant conveyancing quote calculator which means that you can obtain a fee illustration instantly. Be vary of firms who do not offer this as it is a key indicator that their IT systems might not be up to scratch, if online service is what you are specifically looking for.
Another important tip when choosing an online conveyancing solicitor is to look out for hidden costs or charges. Many solicitors may charge extra fees for preparing documents or dealing with complex cases, so make sure all the costs are clearly outlined before making any decisions. It’s also worth noting whether or not they offer a fixed fee service, offer a no-completion/no-fee guarantee or whether their fees are tailored to the individual case.
Finally, it is important to ensure that your chosen online conveyancer has adequate insurance cover in place. This will protect both you and them against any potential problems that may arise during the process, such as errors in paperwork or a breakdown in communication. Additionally, it is a pre-requisite of most mortgage lenders that each Firm must have for them to represent the mortgage lender too.
By following these tips, you should be able to identify a reliable and competent online conveyancing solicitor who can provide you with peace of mind throughout the process. Good luck!