When deciding to sell or buy a property it is essential to get the services of a conveyancer. They will help smooth what can be a very stressful time by enabling you to achieve a positive outcome from the transition, regardless of whether you are the vendor or the purchaser. If this is the first time you have used their services or you are looking to find the right property conveyancing services for you, there are several important questions you need to ask.
1. What is your specialist area when it comes to property?
This is key because some companies may only deal with rural properties or commercial lettings and purchases, whereas you may be looking to buy a townhouse. Others may focus on the first-time buyer or apartments so ask the question.
2. What experience and qualifications do you and your team have?
There is not the requirement for all conveyancers to be licensed or even to have a qualification but check this out. In order to maintain their continuing professional development and keep up with key changes in the law, they should demonstrate a commitment to this. Established property conveyancing services will be only too happy to confirm how long their business has been involved with conveyancing. They will also be pleased to answer questions about the expertise of staff and experience of working with the properties that you are interested in.
3. Are you or your team members of the Australian Institute of Conveyancing (AIC)?
This will demonstrate the qualifications and training the staff team hold in order to carry out their role. AIC members will have a very high level of skills and expertise and also membership provides professional indemnity insurance for its conveyancers. This would offer protection in the unlikely event of a problem occurring during the transfer of ownership of the property.
4. What are your charges?
You need to check that the services the conveyancer provides is included in the quote you are given. This means asking if areas such as legal advice, stamp duty, and registration have been factored into the quote. Ask for a breakdown of the costs so that you can check this out before you decide which company to choose.
5. What is the time frame for the settlement?
You need to check with the conveyancer about the length of time involved in the settlement period. This will enable you to get together your relevant documentation and finances sorted during this time frame which can be around 30 - 60 days once the contract has been exchanged.
6. What is included in the contract of sale?
This is where your property conveyancing services really come into their own because they specialize in the fine detail of reviewing the documents and ensuring that the contractual arrangements you are about to enter into are fair and just. If there is a need to re-negotiate, they should highlight these areas to you. They can also confirm what is and is not included in the contract of sales, such as fixtures and fittings or appliances. Your conveyancer should also highlight any form of building restrictions that are included as a clause in the contract as well.
7. What limitations are placed on the property?
Ask about the zoning because this does have a significant impact on the property so make sure you get clear and accurate information on this.
8. Are we on track to complete?
Once through the process, you need to know the dates of moving in so you can arrange transport and logistics, as well as ensuring water and energy supplies are switched on. Make a detailed checklist to ensure that all the required reports are complete (pest inspections, condition surveys, and financial documents) and check this off with your conveyancer.
Using these 8 essential questions will assist you to choose the right company for all your conveyancing needs.
