A conveyancer or solicitor will aid you in the process of preparing legal documents when you purchase or sell a property. Conveyancing refers to the administrative process behind the scenes when a property is transferred from one individual to another.   Solicitors ensure that the title to a property is valid and transferrable to the buyer on payment of the agreed price and manage the transfer process, whether directly from the seller or via the seller’s bank.   In all cases, property conveyancing services must be done correctly. But, unfortunately, you need to look out for common issues in the conveyancing industry (like all industries). Poor communication, disorganisation with paperwork, hidden fees, slow processing (which can allow another buyer or seller to swoop in) and funding delays are issues with conveyancers that are not worth their salt.   Here are some ways you can vet your conveyancer before trusting them with the essential legal processes involved in selling or buying a property.  

Do A Background Check

Ensure that a conveyancer you find has a good reputation and has no complaints against them by conducting a background check. The Australian Institute of Conveyancers can assist, but due to the profession’s strict standards of conduct, bad experiences are uncommon – which is excellent news for you.   The Australian Institute of Conveyancers (AIC) Victoria Branch is a professional association for conveyancers in Victoria dedicated to providing services to its members and the community. If you still have concerns about the firm, check the AIC Victoria resources for reputable conveyancers that are part of the industry’s peak association.  

Ensure They Have Specialised Knowledge

To get the best conveyancer, you should learn as much as possible about their key areas of expertise.   Your conveyancer should have handled sales or transactions similar to yours in the past and be able to address any potential issues that may arise. In the case of property sales and purchases, a professional will save you money and prevent mistakes from happening.  

Test To See If They Are Going To Prioritise You

To find the best conveyancer, you need to call them, not email them. During this first conversation, you should get a good sense of what you can expect from them throughout the transaction.   A conveyancing firm that leaves you on hold for a prolonged period, takes your message and does not call back, or simply does not answer your call in the first place is not a good indication.   In contrast, speaking directly with a specialist conveyancer, who can answer all of your questions in clear, understandable language, means they are more likely to be attentive to your needs and will be the professional you can trust.  

Be Direct When Asking About The Costs

Your choice of a conveyancer is heavily influenced by cost, and nobody wants to be stung by hidden fees. Therefore, it is essential to ask in advance how much their services will cost so that you can prepare for expenses. As part of your conveyancing estimate, your conveyancer should include professional and search fees, as well as administrative costs and stamp duty.  

Check To See If They Provide Online Services

Conveyancing professionals are increasingly offering their services online, and there are many good reasons for this. Electronic conveyancing or e-conveyancing enables both you and the conveyancer to monitor transactions and share documents online, which makes communication between you and the conveyancer more efficient. In instances in which face-to-face transactions are restricted, this service can be beneficial.  

Find A Conveyancer That Is Meticulous

This is extremely important if you are the buyer. Identifying fraudulent contracts and title deeds is part of the conveyancer’s duty. As a seller, your conveyancer should be able to notify you of any government restrictions, limitations or taxes related to your property. Good conveyancers will identify such things for you. Additionally, they need to specify the rights and obligations of both parties.