Home seller's Guide to Choosing a Conveyancer

II. Timing Your Decision: When to Appoint a Conveyancer

A. Getting "Sale-Ready": The Advantage of Instructing a Conveyancer Early

The single most effective thing you can do to speed up your sale is to instruct a conveyancer the moment you put your property on the market, not after you've accepted an offer.

This allows your conveyancer to get you "sale-ready." You can complete the initial property information forms, such as the TA6 (Property Information Form) and TA10 (Fittings and Contents Form), upfront. Having this legal pack prepared means it can be sent to the buyer's solicitor the instant your offer is accepted, saving you weeks of delay and showing potential buyers you are a serious and organised seller.

B. The Process of "Instructing" a Conveyancer

"Instructing" simply means you are formally hiring the conveyancer. This involves:

1. Accepting their quote.

2. Receiving and signing their "client care letter," which sets out their terms of business.

3. Providing proof of ID and address to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

4. Supplying them with details about your property and any outstanding mortgage.

III. Finding the Right Fit: How to Search for Your Conveyancer

A. Where to Look for a Conveyancer

• Estate Agent's Panel: Your agent will likely recommend a conveyancer. This can be convenient as they often have a good working relationship. However, you are not obligated to use them, so always compare their quote and service with others.

• Personal Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. A first-hand account of good service is invaluable.

• Online Reviews: Websites like Trustpilot can provide recent, independent feedback on a firm's performance.

B. Local vs. Online Conveyancers: A Seller's Perspective

• Local Conveyancers: The main benefit is the ability to pop into their office to sign documents or discuss matters face-to-face. They may also have specific knowledge of local issues that could affect your property.

• Online Conveyancers: These firms often operate nationally and use email, phone, and online portals for communication. They can be very efficient and sometimes more competitively priced.

The choice is down to personal preference. If you are comfortable with digital communication, an online firm can be a great option.

C. Looking Beyond the Cheapest Quote

It's tempting to choose the cheapest quote, but this can be a false economy. Extremely low-cost conveyancing firms often operate on a high-volume, low-service model. This can lead to poor communication, frustrating delays, and a higher risk of the sale falling through. A proactive, experienced conveyancer who communicates well is worth paying a little extra for.

IV. The Vetting Process: Crucial Questions Every Seller Should Ask

A. Questions About Their Experience and Process

• What is your experience with selling properties like mine? (This is vital for leasehold properties, for example).

• Who will be my dedicated point of contact? Will you have a named conveyancer, or will you be dealing with a team?

• How do you prefer to communicate updates? (Email, phone, online portal?).

• What is your process for handling enquiries from the buyer's solicitor? You want a firm that is proactive and responsive.

B. Understanding the Costs of Selling

Ask for a detailed quote that clearly separates the costs:

• Legal Fee: The firm's charge for their work.

• Disbursements: Third-party costs paid on your behalf, such as obtaining an official copy of your title deeds from the Land Registry (usually around £3-£6).

• Potential Extras: For a leasehold sale, there will be an extra fee for collecting the information required for the Leasehold Management Pack.

Also, clarify their policies:

• "No Sale, No Fee": This means you won't pay the legal fee if the sale falls through, but you will still have to pay for any disbursements already incurred.

• "Fixed Fee": This gives you certainty on the legal fee, but check what circumstances might lead to extra charges.

V. Special Considerations When Selling Your Property

A. Selling a Leasehold Property (e.g., a flat)

Selling a leasehold property is more complex than selling a freehold property. Your conveyancer will need to obtain a Leasehold Management Pack from your landlord or managing agent, which contains information on service charges, ground rent, and major works. This can take time to arrive and can be expensive. It is crucial to choose a conveyancer with strong experience in leasehold sales.

B. Selling a Property with an Outstanding Mortgage

This is a standard part of the process. Your conveyancer will request a "redemption statement" from your mortgage lender. This statement shows the exact amount needed to repay your mortgage on the completion day. Your conveyancer will use the sale proceeds to pay this off directly, transferring the remaining balance to you.

C. Navigating a Property Chain

A property chain requires excellent communication. A proactive conveyancer is essential. They will regularly speak with the other conveyancers in the chain to check on progress, align timescales, and quickly resolve any issues to keep the entire chain moving forward.

VI. Common Concerns and Final Steps

A. Can I Use the Same Solicitor as My Buyer?

No. This is a "conflict of interest." To ensure both parties receive fair and independent advice, the buyer and seller must always have separate legal representation.

B. What if I Change My Mind or My Sale Falls Through?

If your sale falls through before the exchange of contracts, you are usually not liable for the buyer's costs. If you have a "no sale, no fee" arrangement, you will only have to pay your conveyancer for any third-party costs (disbursements) they have already paid.

C. What if I'm Unhappy with the Service?

If you have issues, raise them with your conveyancer or their firm's complaints manager first. While you can change conveyancers mid-sale, it can be disruptive, cause delays, and you will have to pay the first firm for the work they have already completed. It should be considered a last resort.

VII. How Homey Can Help You

At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.

We offer:

• Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.

• Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.

• Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.

• Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.

With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.