At what point does exchange of contracts occur in domestic conveyancing in Redcar and Cleveland and am I required to attend the conveyancers office?

Where you are in close proximity to one of the conveyancing solicitors in Redcar and Cleveland you are invited in to sign the paperwork. That being said, the lender approved solicitors we recommend offer countrywide coverage for conveyancing and provide as equally comprehensive and professional a job for you when dealing with you by post or email. The signing of the purchase agreement is not when everything is set in stone. A signed contract is just a prerequisite for the conveyancer to exchange contracts at the suitable time, which will usually be very shortly after signing. The exchange process is nowadays normally dealt with by telephone and can be very rapid, although where a lengthy "chain" is in play, since the process requires the relevant party's solicitor (not necessarily a conveyancing solicitor in Redcar and Cleveland)to be in the office available at the end of the phone to exchange contracts.

I am considering applying for a Clydesdale mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) in Redcar and Cleveland with 60% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Clydesdale ?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Clydesdale will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

My colleague advised me that where I am purchasing in Redcar and Cleveland I should carry out a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. Can you explain what the purpose of this search is?

This is a search is occasionally quoted for as part of the standard Redcar and Cleveland conveyancing searches. It is a large report of more than thirty pages, listing and detailing significant information about Redcar and Cleveland around the property and the people living there. It includes an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the local Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the type of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average House Prices, Crime details, Local Education with plans and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful information concerning Redcar and Cleveland.

Do I need to be concerned that third parties that I am dealing with are suggesting a national conveyancing firm as opposed to a local Redcar and Cleveland conveyancing firm?

As with lots of service providers, often input from family and friends can be very helpful. Nevertheless there are lots of players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, mortgage brokers and lenders might all suggest solicitors to retain. On occasion the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as experts in their field, but sometimes there behind the scenes financial incentive behind the recommendation. You have the right to appoint your own lawyer. Don't forget that most lenders specify a panel list of law firms you are obliged to use for the mortgage related work in your transaction.

Is there a reason that Redcar and Cleveland conveyancing fees are more expensive for leasehold and freehold properties?

There is always increased work involved for leasehold conveyancing. Redcar and Cleveland has many leasehold properties. There is more paperwork involved in the purchase: for example, the lease and leasehold information (including current service charge, ground rent and buildings insurance details) obtained from the freeholder or managing agents. There are strict criteria that the lease must meet in order to be acceptable to a mortgage company. If it does not meet these requirements, the lease must be amended, which can involve additional expense for the seller.