We are buying a property and need a conveyancing solicitor in Kings Heath who is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Aldermore . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Kings Heath.

I am expecting a AIP from Lloyds this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Lloyds recommend any Kings Heath solicitors on the Lloyds conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer?

You will need to appoint Kings Heath solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Lloyds conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Lloyds through the process.

Having read lots of house buying guides, I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Kings Heath solicitor - who is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. is that correct?

Aldermore will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Aldermore will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. Your solicitor will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by your Kings Heath postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Aldermore, you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Kings Heath.

My sealed bid on a detached house in Kings Heath has been accepted, the owners do nevertheless have a dependent purchase. The sellers have put an offer on a property, but it’s not been accepted yet, and have viewings of other apartments in the pipeline. I have instructed a bricks and mortar conveyancing solicitor in Kings Heath. What should be my next step? When should I get the mortgage application with Barclays started?

It is understandable to have apprehensions where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to incur costs prematurely (mortgage application is in the region of £1k, then survey, Kings Heath conveyancing search fees, etc). First, you should check that your property lawyer is on the Barclays approved list. Regarding the next phase this very much depends on the specifics of your transaction, attraction to this property and on the state of the market. During a rising market many purchasers would apply for a home loan with Barclays and pay for the valuation and only if it was satisfactory would they ask their solicitor to proceed with the conveyancing in Kings Heath.

I was advised by numerous property agents in Kings Heath to find a solicitor using your seach tool. What’s the financial incentive for Estate Agents to offer your services rather than alternative conveyancing organisations?

We don’t offer any referral fee for pointing buyers and sellers our way. We thought it would be too underhand to pay a commission because a client could think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for purchase conveyancing in Kings Heath. I happened to discover a web site which appears to be the perfect solution If it is possible to get all formalities done via web that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

I have checked your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the bank conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the mortgage company approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?

Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the bank conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the lender solicitor panel.