I’m looking at purchasing my first property and have done some homework around engaging a conveyancer. Does anyone have an opinion on whether it makes a great deal of difference if the conveyancer in question has a law degree?
I’ve read various arguments such as the provision of legal advice and indemnity insurance – just wondering if anyone has any personal experience they’d like to share, or advice on whether to steer clear of conveyancers who are not also solicitors?
Hi Gail,
There are variations in state standard practices so it may be helpful if you identified the state in which you are buying.
For example all of my purchases in WA have been completed using a conveyancer – all straightforward and no problems whatsoever.
My Queensland purchase was with a solicitor who specialises in property settlements and who is attached to a law firm.
In all cases as the transactions were straighforward there were no issues. In complex ‘deals’ a socitor may be advisable but in my experience and opinion not essential for the run of the mill purchase.
Derek
[email protected]Property Investment Support Available. Ongoing and never stopping. PM welcome.
Hi Derek,
Thank you for that advice. (I’m in Victoria) I guess my main concern is that conveyancers seem to be remarkably cheaper than conveyancing solicitors. So does this mean the quality of the service received is also reduced? You’ve answered that question from your perspective though…Can you elaborate on what you mean by “complex deals”? Thanks.
GailGail, will depend on which state you are purchasing in – I’ll presume its in Vic – a conveyancer should be just fine if it is straight forward, if there are ‘issues’ you may then need to engage a solicitor, who may quietly resent the fact that you didn’t engage them in the first place.
Liklihood is the conveyance will be straight forward as is often the case and there will be no title or search issues, and like a huge proportion of conveyances, a general conveyancing firm will more than adequately deal with the matter.
I would look for personal referals to individuals in small or large firms, as it is the person looking after your file not just go by the ‘we advertise on Saturday mornings Real Estate show on the local radio’ type.
cheers
brahms
If you don’t ask, the answer is no!!
Thanks for your replies Adviser and Brahms. You’ve given me plenty to think about.
Given your advice, does anyone have any personal recommendations they’d like to share?
Thanks again.
GailI agree with Advisor. why bother trying to save a few hundered dollars (if that) on something that is so important. I have used cheaper conveyancors in that past, they are good at processing transers etc, but a solicitor is trained to spot problems with contracts. Using a solicitor on a purchase last year actually saved my butt!
Terryw
Discover Home Loans
North Sydney
[email protected]Terryw | Structuring Lawyers Pty Ltd / Loan Structuring Pty Ltd
http://www.Structuring.com.au
Email MeLawyer, Mortgage Broker and Tax Advisor (Sydney based but advising Aust wide) http://www.Structuring.com.au
Hi Terry,
Thanks very much for your advice. As you say, it makes a lot of sense when you think of the amount of money involved.
GailHi Gail,
Just my 2c worth…
I have used both a solicitor and a conveyancer who is”cheap” (mind you she is a lovely lady, hence this title is really not applicable), and cannot complain with either!!! Albeit she is not as qualified, I have found her services to be of great benefit, and she has even managed to pick up on a few contract discrepancies!!
As with most things I guess, you need to do your homework, and referrals when seeking out such professionals is always a good starting point.
All the best,
Jo
P.S. I too am in (Melb) Victoria, and if you want her details just let me know and I will PM them to you.
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