It has come to my attention via my IFA that my Durham the law firm I have appointed is not on the mortgage company Solicitor panel. How can I be sure whether this is correct?
Your first step should be to call your Durham lawyer directly. You lawyer should inform you what has happened. Where they are not on the panel they could put your in touch with solicitors on the approved list of lawyers for your bank.
How does conveyancing in Durham differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Durham come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because developers in Durham typically buy the site, 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 conveyancers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Durham or who has acted in the same development.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in two weeks back in what should have been a simple, chain free conveyancing. Durham is where the house is located. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Durham are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Durham you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Durham may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.
I have been pointed in your direction by a number of property agents in Durham to get a quote from a solicitor on your site. Is there a financial upside for Estate Agents to recommend your services rather than a competitor’s?
We refuse to make any commission for pointing buyers and sellers in our direction. We found it would be just too difficult a fee as a client could think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not getting any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.
I am looking for a conveyancing lawyer in Durham for my house move. Is it possible to check a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?
Anyone may review documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from inquisitions commenced on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors history, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. International callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may monitor telephone calls for training reasons.