Top Tips When Hiring a Property Solicitor.
Posted on: 4 November 2019
Do you intend to purchase commercial or residential property? A solicitor can help you through the legal aspects of property purchase. Read the extract below to understand the various considerations you should make when hiring a property solicitor.
Reputation
Property solicitors handle sensitive information, such as your personal and financial documents. As such, it's important to choose a solicitor that you can trust. Ask for referrals or seek testimonials from close friends who have previously purchased property. Alternatively, you could browse real estate blogs and social media sites to find reputable solicitors in your locality.
Professionalism
Your solicitor should exhibit a high degree of professionalism. For instance, he or she should be quick to respond to your inquiries. Preferably, the solicitor should be a member of the law society of your state. Further, he or she should have professional indemnity insurance to protect you from liabilities caused by errors and omissions. The property solicitor must be licenced to operate in your state. Post-graduate courses and professional awards are an added advantage.
Services Provided
The solicitor should provide a comprehensive package. For instance, he or she should:
- Provide real estate advice to ensure you purchase a property that suits your needs.
- Help you secure a mortgage at discounted interest rates.
- Conduct a title search to verify that the property is registered under the seller's name and that it is not under any dispute.
- Organise a property inspection.
- Negotiate the purchase price on your behalf.
- Aid in preparing the contract of sale and organise the title transfer.
Pricing
The solicitor must be reasonably priced. Ask for a quote and compare it against those of other solicitors. It is vital to inquire about extra costs. For instance, you may need to pay administration, title search, transfer of title and building inspection fees. Ask for a contract detailing the services provided, including when and how you should make payments.
Hiring an Online Solicitor
People living abroad may require the services of an online solicitor. When choosing an online solicitor, check his or her website to ensure that the professional has a physical address. Ask for the solicitor's licence and professional accreditations. He or she must provide you with regular updates through emails, calls or video conferencing.
Choosing a property solicitor is now easy with the above tips. Do not solely rely on price when hiring the solicitor. Instead, examine the professional's reputation, professionalism and experience.
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