Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Magellan Homeloans list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Find an Approved Solicitor on the Magellan Homeloans
Conveyancing Panel
Q and A’s regarding the Magellan Homeloans Solicitor Panel
What is the rationale as to why all property lawyers are not on the Magellan Homeloans Solicitor panel?
Before the recession most lenders had an appetite for risk which was higher than today. The Financial Services Authority in 2010 conducted a thematic review into mortgage fraud which concluded: know the conveyancing solicitors that you are dealing with. Consequently, lenders have regularly sought more information from law firms about their operations and the individuals who work for them and set certain criteria such a completing on a minimum number of transactions. Many firms that have been excluded from lender panels have 100% healthy track record, no complaints and no claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Such firms were never going to meet the criteria of volume of transactions the lenders required.
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 Magellan Homeloans will not agree to this. Why was Magellan Homeloans even consulted?
Your lawyer being on the Magellan Homeloans conveyancing panel is duty bound to inform Magellan Homeloans of any changes to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your lawyers to disclose the reduction to Magellan Homeloans then they would have to discontinue acting for you and Magellan Homeloans.
Do all the firms listed on your directory have online case tracking as I was under the impression that this was a precondition of being on the Magellan Homeloans solicitor panel?
The Council of Mortgage Lenders or BSA do not require online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
I am thinking of mortgaging my house does my lawyer have to be on the Magellan Homeloans Solicitor panel?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but Magellan Homeloans will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
Is it the case that all conveyancing lawyers on the Magellan Homeloans conveyancing panel work on a no move no charge basis?
In the main there are no requirements by lenders for their firms to operate on a no-sale-no-fee basis. There a small number of lenders who operate a very restricted conveyancing panel managed by a third party company (often termed in the industry as a ‘gatekeeper’). That third party may impose certain conditions such as non-sale-no fee on the panel firms. If you require this as a condition of your conveyancing then you should check with the conveyancing firm that this is part of their package
My husband and I are spending time looking at houses and now considering a potential offer. Should I already have a conveyancer appointed at this stage? I will be getting a mortgage with Magellan Homeloans
You should start obtaining conveyancing quotes from solicitors ASAP. 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 EA. As you are getting a mortgage with Magellan Homeloans , make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Magellan Homeloans conveyancing panel.
Intending to buy a house with a mortgage with Magellan Homeloans. I have received an online quote from a licensed conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Building Society if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Magellan Homeloans 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 Magellan Homeloans conveyancing panel