When buying or selling a property, knowing how to pick a good conveyancer or solicitor is just as important as having a top-notch real estate agent. A conveyancer will handle all the legal aspects of your property transaction, such as preparing and reviewing contracts, transferring ownership, and managing payments. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose?
In this article, we’ll share six tips to help you pick the right conveyancer for your needs. But first, what is a conveyancer?
What is a conveyancer?
Before finding a conveyancing solicitor, let’s discuss what conveyancers do.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. It involves collecting, collating, checking, and sharing all necessary documentation. While some may choose to handle this process independently, hiring a specialist conveyancer is crucial to safeguard your best interests.
A conveyancer is a trained and licensed professional who specialises in the transfer of property ownership. They thoroughly understand land law, taxes, contracts, property management, and development. They tackle the complex task of transferring property ownership, which may include communicating with all parties involved, such as the vendor, purchaser, representative, and lender.
The duties of a conveyancer include completing necessary forms and documents for settlement, conducting property transaction searches, locating the Certificate of Title, obtaining the Condition of Adjustments for settlement, preparing the Contract of Sale, and playing a crucial role in every stage of the settlement process to ensure a smooth transfer.
Conveyancers must be licensed, and in Australia, the requirements for licensure vary by state. Generally, conveyancers undergo an approved VET qualification such as the Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing or an accredited law degree.
Six tips to follow when learning how to pick a good conveyancer
Tip 1: Check their qualifications and experience
Not all conveyancers are created equal, and one wrong move can cost you. So, make sure the firm you’re considering has the mandatory qualifications in your state. This gives them legal permission to act on your behalf, and it’s a good indication they meet all the necessary requirements in terms of experience and knowledge.
A qualified conveyancer (or solicitor) will have a comprehensive understanding of the law concerning property transactions. And they will have experience dealing with the myriad issues that can arise during the process.
Additionally, pay attention to their character, experience, and track record. When unexpected obstacles threaten your transaction, you need peace of mind that your conveyancer is ready and able to handle them and protect your best interests.
Tip 2: Ask the right questions
Another step in learning how to pick a good conveyancer is asking the right questions. When finding a conveyancing solicitor, ask them about their expertise, fees, and motivations. Find out if they specialise in a specific property type or have a broad general knowledge of the transaction process. In addition, ask about communication and settlement processes – how does it unfold, how much does it cost, and what can you expect moving forward?
Tip 3: Pay attention to their communication skills
A good conveyancer should be able to explain the transaction and settlement process clearly and succinctly so you have a solid understanding, even if you don’t have a legal background. They should also listen to your concerns and address your doubts. If they use legal jargon that you can’t understand or don’t seem to be listening to you, it may be best to look for someone else.
What’s more, your conveyancer will communicate with other parties involved in the transaction, such as real estate agents and lending institutions. Make sure the individual or firm you choose has the skills and professionalism to represent you and your family.
Tip 4: Prioritise local knowledge
Conveyancing rules and costs vary from state to state. For example, conveyancing in Victoria will be different from conveyancing in New South Wales. So, if you’re wondering how to pick a good conveyancer, prioritise local knowledge.
Hiring a conveyancer with local knowledge can be beneficial, as they’ll be familiar with the area, the real estate market, and the laws that apply to it. This can save you time and money and help ensure that the process runs smoothly from start to finish.
Tip 5: Research the conveyancer’s reputation
Not sure how to choose a conveyancer? Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of the conveyancer’s reputation. If they have a lot of positive feedback, it’s a good sign that they’ll do an excellent job for you too. On the other hand, if they have a lot of negative reviews, steer clear.
Tip 6: Take note of their reliability
The final thing to consider when finding a conveyancer is their ability to follow through on their commitments and to be consistent in their communication.
You want someone who will respect the agreement you are entering into and keep you informed throughout the process. This means that if they say they’ll have a document or contract available for you on a specific date or at a certain time, they make sure to deliver on that promise. It’s essential to find a conveyancer who you can rely on so you can have confidence that your property transaction will be handled efficiently and effectively.
Now, you know how to pick a good conveyancer
Whether you’re buying or selling, contacting a conveyancer early in the process is a good idea. Why? Because picking the right conveyancer or solicitor is an essential step that will have lasting repercussions on your property transfer. By following the six tips above, you can master the process of finding a conveyancing solicitor who will help make your property transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Now that you know how to choose a conveyancer, it’s time to start your research. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced conveyancer, get in touch. At Entry Conveyancing, we work hard to make buying, selling, and transferring property as simple as possible. We have a team of experts who can help you navigate the legal aspects of your property transaction with ease.
What’s more? We offer a free quote and fixed prices with no hidden costs or extra fees. If you’re looking for the best conveyancer in Australia, give Entry Conveyancing a try. Get your free quote today.
