My husband and I are intending to acquire a 1 bedroom flat in Writtle with a mortgage. We like our Writtle conveyancer, however the lender advise she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have little choice but to use one of the lender panel solicitors or retain our Writtle property lawyer and pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Writtle conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I am only a couple days away from an exchange on a property in Writtle and my mum and dad have sent the 10% deposit to my property lawyer. I am now informed that as the deposit has not arrived from me my property lawyer needs to make a notification to my bank. Apparently, in also acting for the lender he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I informed the bank regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really necessary for him to raise this?
The property lawyer is obliged to check with mortgage company to ensure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only disclose this to your mortgage company if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
The deeds to my house are lost. The lawyers who did the conveyancing in Writtle 10 years ago no longer exist. What do I do?
Nowadays there are copies made of almost everything, and your conveyancer will be aware precisely where to find all the appropriate documentation so you may purchase or dispose of your house without a hitch. If copies are not available, your lawyer may be able to put in place insurance or indemnities protecting you against possible claims on your property.
I am purchasing a new build house in Writtle with the aid of help to buy. The sellers would not budge the price so I negotiated 6k of extras instead. The estate agent told me not reveal to my conveyancer about this side-deal as it could adversely affect my mortgage with Barclays . Should I keep quiet?.
All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.
Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.
Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.
I have been recommended by three or four local property agents in Writtle to get a quote from a conveyancer on your site. Is there a financial advantage for Estate Agents to market your site rather than alternative conveyancing organisations?
We refuse to offer any financial incentive for directing people in our direction. We thought it would be too underhand a fee because home movers will think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.
I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Writtle for my house move. Is there any facility to review a solicitor's record with the profession’s regulator?
One can see published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions stemming from investigations started on or after 1 January 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. For records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors history, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For non-uk callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may monitor call for training reasons.