We are expecting a mortgage offer soon. The lender mentioned the home loan came with free conveyancing. Does this mean I have to appoint their panel solicitor as I would much rather instruct a Hartford based conveyancing firm?
Do check but the chances are that give you one of their panel solicitors where you take up the "fee-free" offer. Speak to the lender to see if they allow a cash alternative. In the past a few lenders offered a £250 cashback as an alternative in which case you could put that amount towards your preferred conveyancing solicitor near Hartford.
When it comes to lenders such as Aldermore, do Hartford conveyancers face a fee to be on the list of approved solicitors?
We are not aware of any lender fees to register on their panel, although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.
We expect to receive a AIP from Kent Reliance this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Kent Reliance recommend any Hartford solicitors on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer?
You will need to appoint Hartford solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Kent Reliance through the process.
I can not fathom if my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called my Hartford bank branch on a couple of occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they would lend. My Hartford conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- called to say that they would not lend based on their published requirements. I have no idea who is right.
The solicitor must follow the CML Handbook Part 2 conditions for your bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the lender will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years remaining.
How does conveyancing in Hartford differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Hartford come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because builders in Hartford typically buy the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Hartford or who has acted in the same development.
What does commercial conveyancing in Hartford cover?
Commercial conveyancing in Hartford covers a broad range of advice, supplied by regulated solicitors, relating to business premises. For example, this type of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more commonly, the transfer of existing business tenancies or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial mortgages and the termination of tenancies.
Am I better off to choose a Hartford conveyancing practitioner based in the vicinity that I am buying? We have a good friend who can deal with the legal formalities but his firm is located over three hundred kilometers away.
The primary upside of using a high street Hartford conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign paperwork, deliver your ID and pester them where appropriate. They will also have local knowledge which is a benefit. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If other friends have instructed your friend and they were happy that should surpass using an unknown Hartford conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being local.
We have just had a bid accepted on our first house in Hartford, and are now looking to get solicitors instructed. I have used the different rating based websites and the results are from all over the country. Is it essential to have a Hartford conveyancing practitioner local to your potential new home? I am fine to do all the communicating over email, but I am thinking at some point we may need to visit the lawyer's office to sign contracts?
The conveyancer does not need to be in Hartford, but choosing local means that you can go in if you need to, for instance, if a signature is immediately necessary. Also, a Hartford solicitor is likely to be familiar with local agents and (if the vendor has instructed a local conveyancing practitioner) with them, which should help smooth the process.