When should I instruct a solicitor when selling my property?
Selling your property can be a complex process, and having a solicitor to guide you is essential. Instructing a conveyancing solicitor helps to ensure a smooth and efficient property transaction, but timing your instruction is crucial. Waiting too long can result in delays and added stress, while instructing too early may not always be necessary.
When to instruct a solicitor when selling your house
It is recommended to instruct a residential conveyancing solicitor ahead of marketing your property as this leaves sufficient time for the client onboarding process to be completed. This includes identity checks, anti-money laundering checks, and initial information forms. By completing this process early, you will be in a strong position when a buyer is found, and the risk of delays will be reduced.
If you have not instructed a conveyancing solicitor or conveyancer before marketing your property, it is crucial to instruct one when you accept an offer on the property. Once an offer has been accepted the legal process begins and delays in instructing your solicitor will slow this process down. At this time your solicitor will draft and send the contract documents to the buyer’s solicitor, respond to any enquiries, and deal with any issues that may surface from searches and surveys.
Why are delays an issue in residential conveyancing?
The faster your transaction moves, the less chance there is of the buyer getting impatient or pulling out. One of the main reasons we see property sales fall through is due to delays in paperwork – instructing your solicitor at the outset should lessen the chances of this happening to you.
If your sale is part of a larger chain (where multiple sale and purchase transactions are linked together) timing is even more crucial. Any delays in in your sale can hold up the whole chain, in turn causing other buyers and sellers to withdraw. Having a conveyancing solicitor or conveyancer ready to act as soon an offer is accepted allows the transaction to run smoothly and reduces the risk of setbacks.
How to choose your solicitor
There are many factors to consider when choosing which conveyancing solicitor to advise on your house or property sale.
Firstly, are they a law firm or a conveyancing firm? Many cheap conveyancing firms are not solicitors and do not have to operate to the same high standards, nor are they bound by such strict regulatory requirements for client protection.
Does the firm have any accreditations such as the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, or are they ranked in Chambers UK or The Legal 500? These provide independent, third-party endorsements to demonstrate the level of service and expertise provided.
Be sure to read online reviews for a true picture of the service they provide. You can check Google, Facebook and also Review Solicitors.
Are they qualified in residential conveyancing? How much experience do they have? These can both affect how well the conveyancing is undertaken on your property.
Do also consider where they are based. Are they local? Can you pick up and drop off documents if needed? Can you have a face-to-face meeting? Do they understand the local property market? Having conveyancing solicitors in Plymouth, such as GA Solicitors, can help to speed up the process.
Conclusion
Selling your property is often time sensitive, and legal delays can be frustrating for all parties involved. By instructing a solicitor early in the transaction, you can get ahead of any potential issues, ensure all paperwork is ready, and make the process run as smooth as possible. Whether you do this before marketing your property or after you accept an offer, instructing your solicitor at the right time can make all the difference in achieving a timely and stress-free sale.
If you are in the process of putting your house on the market or are looking to purchase a property, please contact our award-winning residential conveyancing solicitors Plymouth to obtain a quote.
GA Solicitors in Plymouth is ranked in Chambers UK, The Legal 500 and Chambers High Net Worth. We are scored 4.9/5 on Review Solicitors and 4.7/5 on Google reviews. You can be assured that if you instruct GA for your residential conveyancing, you will be in the best possible hands.
Call the team today on 01752 203500 or email enquiries@GAsolicitors.com.
For more information about the conveyancing process, read our recent articles on completion day and exchange of contracts.
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