Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my solicitor in Fordingbridge is not listed on my mortgage company's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the standard of her conveyancing?
That is more than likely a wrong assumption to make. There are all sorts of perfectly plausible explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator revealed 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) low volume of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Where you are concerned you should simply call the Fordingbridge conveyancing firm and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for your bank.
I am approaching an exchange on a flat in Fordingbridge and my mum and dad have sent the exchange deposit to my lawyer. I am now informed that as the deposit has been received from someone other than me my conveyancing practitioner needs to disclose this to my mortgage company. Apparently, in also acting for the bank he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I disclosed to the lender concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really appropriate for this now to delay the deal?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with the bank to ensure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. The solicitor can only report this to your bank if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
Are the BSA intent on creating a online directory to to identify practices on the Darlington Building Society conveyancing panel for example in Fordingbridge?
Lexsure has not been advised of any intention on the part of the BSA to promote such a register.
We are intent on selling our property in Fordingbridge and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. A local lawyer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers are using a national conveyancing practice rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Fordingbridge. Having lived in Fordingbridge for six years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to seek confirmation that the buyers are looking for.
It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm already. Are they able to advise? You should enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same sickness)
Am I best advised to appoint a Fordingbridge conveyancing lawyer who is local to the property I am purchasing? I have an old university friend who can deal with the legal formalities but his firm is located 300kilometers drive away.
The benefit of a local Fordingbridge conveyancing practice is that you can attend the office to sign paperwork, present your identification documents and apply pressure on them where appropriate. They will also have local knowledge which is a bonus. However nothing is more important than finding someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If you know people who used your friend and they were happy that should outweigh using an unfamiliar Fordingbridge conveyancing lawyer just because they are based in the area.