Buying or selling a house is a huge task and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You want to make sure that the professionals you’re choosing to work with are the right ones for the job. There’s nothing worse than embarking on the process and loosing trust too far down the track. You are, after all, trusting them with potentially the biggest financial transactions of your life. That’s why, before engaging any licensed conveyancer, you need to do your homework.

Then once you’ve chosen who you’d like to work with, you should be asking the right questions to ensure you know exactly what you’re signing for.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are some important questions you should be asking any conveyancing firm you’re looking to work with, both whilst you’re choosing and then when you’ve found a property you want to buy.

Choosing a conveyancer

1. How much will it cost?
   Now, we’re not saying go for the cheapest. They may be cheap because they have less experience, or maybe they take on too many clients and won’t give you the attention you deserve. But it’s important to compare the costs of several ­so you can find a happy medium. You’ll then be able to gauge what’s a high cost, what’s low, and then see what sits in the middle (which will be your standard cost). At least six quotes are a good number to start.
2. What’s their experience?

Alongside the costs, you want to understand how much experience the firm or individual has, especially with the type of property you’re purchasing. For instance, if you’re a first-home buyer on a tight budget, you don’t want someone who’s only used to working with multi-million dollar properties and vice versa. Someone who has lots of experience in similar situations, will understand the risk and details associated with what you’re about to embark on.

1. Are they accredited and insured properly?
   Check to see if they’re a member of The Australian Institute of Conveyancers. This means they are properly educated and trained in conveyancing. They also have to adhere to strict rules and codes of conduct. In order to be a member they have to maintain a policy pf Profession Indemnity Insurance, so if anything does go wrong due to negligence, you know you’re covered.
2. What kind of support do they have?
   Whatever your reason for choosing a conveyancer over a solicitor, still ask whether they have the support of a solicitor. Problems may arise which a conveyancer is not qualified to handle. It could be the principal of the firm, or an offsite consultant, just ensure that they have the backup.
   
   

Purchasing a property

1. Is it in the contract?
   Whenever you buy a property, you should always make clear up front what’s included. E.g. light fittings, inbuilt washing machine, dishwasher, don’t ever assume just because it’s there, it will (or won’t) be included. It’s the responsibility of the buyer and conveyancer to ensure they’re clear on exactly what is and isn’t included.
2. Are the reports on track for completion?
   As you negate your way through the process, you’ll find yourself moving through rafts of reports. These will range from financial documents to strata condition reports and pest inspections. As the buyer, you should be constantly checking back with the conveyancer to check everything is covered.
3. Is the zoning as we expected?
   Always, always, check that the zoning matches what’s been advertised. It may seem difficult to believe that something so obvious, could go so wrong, but there are times when it does.
4. How can I make sure the settlement period suits my circumstances?
   Every state has a different standard settlement period. These can range from 30 days to 90. Make sure you discuss your situation in full with your conveyancer and agree on a settlement period which suits you.