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approved by HodgeLife
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the HodgeLife list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Looking for information about your firm's panel status?
How does my firm apply to be on the Hodge Life Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Hodge Life Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Hodge Life Conveyancing Panel
Q and A’s regarding the Hodge Life Conveyancing Panel
I instructed a firm of solicitors to carry out on my house purchase 5 weeks ago having applied for a mortgage with Hodge Life. The law firm assured me that they are on Hodge Life conveyancing panel and provided me their panel number. Hodge Life 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 conveyancing panel for Hodge Life?
The answer depends on whether you still have confidence in the said solicitors and how long it will take for the firm to be reinstated on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel You may wish to enlist the help of your broker to check with the Hodge Life as to the time frame to get your lawyer reinstated on the panel once again.
We are due to exchange on the purchase a house but as a result of damage from the recent storms I have agreed compensation from the seller of £3k approx by way of a reduction in the price. This was going to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process but my mortgage company Hodge Life will not agree to this. Why was Hodge Life even consulted?
Your lawyer being on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel is duty bound to inform Hodge Life of any changes to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your lawyers to disclose the reduction to Hodge Life then they would have to discontinue acting for you and Hodge Life.
How up to date is your search tool for the Hodge Life conveyancing panel? Do Hodge Life send you an updated list?
The firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Hodge Life directly.
I am buying a new build flat and getting a mortgage with Hodge Life. Can I do my own conveyancing?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to made in you doing to conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel in your location.
Can you point me to a directory of Hodge Life panel solicitors on the Council of Mortgage Lender’s Website?
No. There is no such tool on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association websites. Very few lenders make their panel listings available online.
I'm in the process of looking at flats and am about to put in an offer. Is it premature to have a solicitor in place? I will be getting a home loan with Hodge Life
It would be sensible to have your start your search soon rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on the the estate agent. As you are getting a mortgage with Hodge Life , make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel.
After shopping around on the internet I have found a solicitor having made sure that they are on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
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Having read lots of mortgage guides,I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my solicitor - who is on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Hodge Life will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Hodge Life 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.
You may wish to consider appointing your own surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.
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Your lawyer 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 postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Hodge Life you could contact your them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors.
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Transfer of Equity for Hodge LifePlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors