How to make conveyancing go smoothly for first time buyers

Engage a professional

Buying a property is not without a few bumps in the road, some of which may be completely out of your control e.g., getting gazumped, delays in the chain, sellers getting cold feet or removal company nightmares. That’s why you must have experts on hand to guide you seamlessly through the process. Along with a good mortgage advisor, you will also need an experienced solicitor to properly handle any legal issues and deal promptly with specific property matters.

At Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd we want to reduce the stresses and strains for you. When you engage our services, we will be with you every step of the way, from contract drafting, right through to completion. And when it comes to protecting your interests, we will explain everything clearly and make the entire process as smooth as possible.

What’s conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal transfer of home ownership from the seller to you, the buyer. It usually takes around 10 – 16 weeks but that is dependent on not just you as the buyer and your solicitor, but the seller and their solicitor too. However, you can help things along by being an active buyer. That means responding in a timely manner to any queries, checking paperwork and sending back signed and completed documents quickly.

What’s involved?

Helen Checketts, Solicitor, Residential Property team said, “Buying a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you will undertake. It’s important that it’s undertaken with care ensuring that you have someone on your side to answer questions, anticipate problems, understand implications and clearly explain your survey findings.

She continued. “At Alsters Kelley we are always able to offer competitive prices along with high levels of service. Our new website offers a ‘No Hidden Fees Conveyancing Quote’ – simply use our online tool to get your quote today. When you start your house-buying journey and have your offer accepted on your chosen property, we recommend that you follow our top conveyancing tips for the best results.”

1. Instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to act on your behalf – complete any initial instruction form so that your solicitor/conveyancer can arrange for a file to be opened and for their initial paperwork to be forwarded to you for completion.
2. Pay search fees and provide your ID and proof of funds.
3. Provide details of your solicitor/conveyancer to your mortgage broker and/or give them details of your mortgage offer.
4. Allow time for your solicitor to conduct searches on the property on your behalf, these include local authority, Land Registry, environmental, water authority, location specific and Chancel repair.
5. Once Mortgage offer, search results and replies to enquiries have been received your solicitor/conveyancer will provide a report to you providing information about your purchase.
6. Sign the Contract, Transfer and Mortgage Deed.
7. Decide on an exchange and completion date.
8. Send your deposit to your solicitor.
9. Solicitor will request Mortgage Funds and provide you with a completion statement showing what funds you will need to provide.
10. Exchange contracts.
11. Pay the final amount to enable completion. Congratulations, you will finally receive the keys to your dream home.

Free initial meeting for support and advice

At Alsters Kelley Solicitors, we aim to help make your property transaction as smooth and stress free as possible. And thanks to our network of offices covering Coventry, Leamington, Nuneaton, Stratford-upon-Avon and Southam we are very accessible too. For timely and quality advice and support, please contact Helen Checketts on 02477 710239, or email helen.checketts@alsterskelley.com