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First Direct Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers
I appointed a law firm to conduct the legal paperwork on my remortgage six weeks ago having applied for a mortgage with First Direct. The solicitors assured me that they are on First Direct conveyancing panel and gave me their panel number. First Direct then told me that their panel number was dormant and would need to be reactivated. What happens next? Do I instruct a different law firm currently on the approved panel for First Direct?
You may be very frustrated with the lawyer but if it only go take a few more days they it may be worth waiting as, depending on how far progressed you are you may end up delaying the transaction by a number of weeks if you need to replace your solicitor You may wish to enlist the help of your broker to check with the First Direct as to how long they think it will take to get the firm to get back on the panel.
We are only a couple days away from an exchange and my parents having sent the 10% deposit to my lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to make a notification to my lender First Direct. I am advised that, being on the First Direct conveyancing panel and acting on their behalf he must inform First Direct if the balance of the mortgage advance is not just from me. I disclosed to the bank about my parent’s contribution when I applied for the home loan so is it really necessary for this now to be an issue?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with First Direct to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to First Direct if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
I require the services of a First Direct panel solicitor in Inverness. Could you help me?
Unfortunately it’s not apparent why you need a First Direct panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to First Direct to find out which solicitors in First Direct are on their panel. If you do find such a firm not listed please direct them to our site to list. After all the cost is only one £1 a month
I was due to complete on my dream home last Thursday. My lawyer’s firm is on the First Direct conveyancing panel but has moved offices 8 weeks ago and had not informed First Direct of their new address. First Direct is now refusing to release my funds until such time as their systems are up to date with the correct details.
This is as unusual as it is unlucky. The majority of lender Terms of Conveyancing Panel Appointment specifically oblige the solicitor to inform the lender of an address change. Your solicitor needs to treat this with the utmost urgency. Do speak with or register your concern with the senior partner (assuming he or she is not your direct lawyer). Most lenders would be reasonable in this situation and expedite the resolution of this issue. It may be prudent to enlist the help of your local First Direct branch or your mortgage broker to see if they can help.
Do most lenders operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the First Direct conveyancing panel requirements are different to First Direct’s conveyancing panel requirements.
I have today made my last payment due on mortgage with First Direct. I assume I don't need a solicitor on the First Direct panel to remove the mortgage at the Land Registry. Am I right?
If you have finished paying off your First Direct mortgage they may send you evidence showing that you have paid it off. Alternatively they may notify the Land Registry directly. The Land Registry need to see this evidence before they will remove the First Direct mortgage from the register. First Direct,and any evidence they send you, will determine the action you need to take. In cases where no conveyancer is acting for you and you have paid off your mortgage:
but are not moving to another property
where the First Direct has sent the Land Registry the discharge electronically, and
the First Direct has instructed the Land Registry to do so
The Land Registry will send you a letter confirming that your First Direct mortgage has been paid off.
Intending to buy a house with a mortgage with First Direct. I have received an online quote from a licensed conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Lender if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the First Direct conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.
They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that they are on the First Direct conveyancing panel
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