After reviewing mumsnet.com for an online lawyer in Ventnor, most say that I should look for a CQS kitemarked lawyer. Can you explain what CQS is?
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices issued by the Law Society. Membership achievement establishes a level of credibility for member firms with stakeholders (regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers) based upon: * the integrity of the senior responsible officer and other key conveyancing staff * the firm's adherence to good practice management standards * adherence to best practice conveyancing processes through the scheme protocol the standard includes numerous companies who carry out conveyancing in Ventnor.
If you had a top tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Ventnor what would it be?
It would be unwise to be tempted by the lowest Ventnor conveyancing fees. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.
Can I be sure that the Ventnor conveyancing solicitor on the Aldermore panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Ventnor seeking recommendations is a sensible start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always suggest that you speak with the lawyer conducting your conveyancing.
Having digested plenty of mortgage guides, I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Ventnor solicitor - who is on the Co-operative conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Co-operative will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Co-operative 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 Ventnor 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.
I have been told that property searches are the main cause of hinderance in Ventnor conveyancing transactions. Is that correct?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the findings of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the top 10 causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are unlikely to feature in any slowing down conveyancing in Ventnor.
How does conveyancing in Ventnor differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Ventnor approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because new home sellers in Ventnor tend to buy the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Ventnor or who has acted in the same development.
As co-executor for the will of my grandfather I am selling a residence in Swansea but live in Ventnor. My solicitor (based 235 kilometers awayhas requested that I execute a statutory declaration before the transaction finalising. Could you suggest a conveyancing lawyer in Ventnor to witness and place their company stamp on the document?
strictly speaking you are not likely to be required to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily any notary public or qualified solicitor will suffice regardless of whether they are located in Ventnor