We were about to instruct a conveyancing solicitor in March recommended by you but stumbled across alternative quotes on the internet look less expensive – why is this?
There are plenty of solicitors marketing what appear to be cut price. We would urge you to give due consideration as to how important this transaction is to you that want to take 'cheap' risks with regard to the standard of the conveyancing. Some embed additional charges well inside the terms of engagement. The law firms that we list for conveyancing in March neverbehave this way.
We had instructed conveyancers located in March on the Nationwide solicitor approved list. They are now charging me a further fee for dealing with the Nationwide mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee set by Nationwide?
Unfortunately, as long as it is in their Terms of Engagement or Quote then yes your solicitor may charge a fee for this. The charge is not set by Nationwide but by your March solicitor. Numerous firms on the Nationwide panel will quote ’dealing with mortgage’ fee and others do not.
Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Nationwide. March conveyancing practitioners have been chosen. What is the average time that one could expect to receive a mortgage offer from Nationwide?
Some lenders take longer than others. Have Nationwide completed the valuation? Have you informed Nationwide as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Nationwide conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.
Kent Reliance have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on a apartment in March has been accepted, what happens next?
The estate agent will want to know who your solicitors are (be sure the lawyers are on the bank’s panel). Telephone Kent Reliance or the broker and finish off any relevant documentation. Kent Reliance will appoint a valuer who will get in touch with the selling agent or vendor to arrange an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes approximately ten days for the mortgage offer to be issued. Kent Reliance will send the offer to you and your conveyancers. The legal work will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in March.
My relative advised me that if I am purchasing in March I should carry out a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. Can you explain what the purpose of this search is?
A search of this type is usually included in the estimate for your March conveyancing searches. It is a large document of about 40 pages, listing and setting out important information about March around the property and the people living there. It incorporates an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the local Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the type of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average House Prices, Crime statistics, March Education with maps and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful information regarding March.
I have todayfound out that Arc property Solicitors have closed. They conducted my conveyancing in March for a purchase of a leasehold flat 9 months ago. How can I check that the property is in my name in the name of the former proprietor?
The quickest way to see if the property is in your name, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of March conveyancing specialists.
How does conveyancing in March differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in March approach us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is completed. This is because builders in March usually acquire 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 March or who has acted in the same development.
Am I right to be suspicious by estate agents that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use a nationwide conveyancing firm rather than a High Street March conveyancing practice?
As is the case with lots of professional services, often input from relatives can be worth their weight in gold. But there are many parties with a vested interest in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, financial adviser and lenders may suggest lawyers to instruct. Sometimes these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there is an underlying financial incentive behind the recommendation. You are free to choose your own conveyancer. However, bear in mind that most lenders operate an approved list of solicitors you are obliged to use for the lender aspect of your house move.