How To Interview Your Property Conveyancer

A property conveyancer is a professional that handles the technical and legal aspects of buying commercial, industrial and residential property. Hiring a conveyancer may seem like an easy task since there are many conveyancers in Australia. However, hiring an inexperienced conveyancer could lead to financial and legal liabilities in the future. As such, it is advisable to interview the professional before hiring him or her. Below are a few interview questions to ask a property conveyancing services provider.  

What Is Your Specialisation?

The conveyancer should be specialised in the purchase and selling of the property you intend to buy. Further, he or she should be licensed to provide conveyancing services in the area. It ensures that he or she understands local council laws, the building code, zoning regulations and resident association bylaws. A local conveyancer will also have long-term relationships with real estate agents and financial institutions. As such, you will get the best bargain on the property and mortgage. 

What Is Your Opinion About The Property? 

Property conveyancers with years of experience in the market can tell whether the property you intend to purchase is overpriced. Typically, conveyancers do not have a conflict of interest and will work to protect the interests of their clients. As such, the professional should provide solid advice regarding the property and give alternatives if he or she thinks you will not get value for your money.

What Services Do You Provide? 

The professional should provide a comprehensive range of services. For instance, he or she should conduct some background research to understand property boundaries, previous property use, local zoning regulations and strata bylaws if you intend to buy into a strata development. Additionally, the conveyancer should appraise the property, organise a property inspection and negotiate the terms of the contract of sale. He or she should also help you apply for a mortgage and transfer the property into your name. 

What Are Your Terms of Engagement? 

The conveyancer should have friendly terms of hire. For instance, he or she should provide personalised services such as online conveyancing if you have a busy schedule. Preferably, work with a conveyancer that gives a fixed quote. However, remember you will have to pay for land searches, property inspection, mortgage application fees and title transfer charges. The conveyancer should have a reliable and convenient dispute resolution mechanism. More often than not, negation, mediation and arbitration are effective ways to settle client disputes. The conveyancer should also have a professional indemnity cover to protect you from liabilities caused by his errors and negligence. 

You should now have an easy time interviewing your conveyancer. Remember to conduct some due diligence to ascertain his or her reputation. Internet and client reviews can be a good starting point. 

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