Conveyancer’s blog – tips if you’re thinking of buying or selling your home over Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2016

As Christmas edges nearer and the year draws to a close, we're all busy buying presents and sorting the house for Christmas. But, once the turkey is eaten and the family starts to relax, many people start to consider finding a new home.

Maybe, there's been a new baby in the household and an extra bedroom is needed or a teenager has left for college or university and you're thinking of downsizing. Or maybe, it's simply a case of needing a change.

Whatever the reason, online statistics show clearly that searching online estate agents like "Rightmove" is wildly popular on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day: millions of us visited Rightmove over the Christmas period in 2015.

lf you're still contemplating selling your house before Christmas, you might be too late to get the adverts online with an estate agent – but the sooner you do so the better: "Twixtmas" (the time between Christmas and New Year), and January are very busy house hunting times.

Whether you're a buyer or a seller, you also need to find someone you trust to be your conveyancer. Keep in mind these factors to consider when starting your house hunt...

Factors to consider when starting a house-hunt

Read our simple step by step guide to the buying and selling of a property which is easily downloadable here.
Your house will probably be the most expensive purchase you ever make so make sure you appoint a qualified solicitor who specializes in conveyancing (a conveyancer). You can use Twixtmas to search for a good conveyancer to help you make a smooth move.
Meet or talk to the person you want to instruct to act on your behalf. Are you happy to deal with them and their solicitors' firm. Are you happy for them to deal with your lender? Are they qualified to do the job? Are they committed and easily contactable?
When shopping around and obtaining quotes, bear in mind that the cheapest quote you receive might not be the best for what you need to be done. You will, of course expect the conveyancer to deal with the transfer of the legal title of the property but, how many other necessary aspects of your purchase will they cover?
Does the quote include the cost of search results, surveys, advice on mortgage offers and gifted deposits?
Does the conveyancer carry out money laundering checks? How will the conveyancer protect your purchase/sale funds?
Will the conveyancer protect you from fraudulent activities? (If you're not sure how, read our article: Making sure everything's "quite right" on a property transaction" here.

Have a good Christmas – and happy house-hunting!

Get a conveyancing quote online

It's simple to get an idea of what the conveyancing might cost you - just have a look at our online calculator.

Contact

For more information and advice on buying or selling your home, contact Victoria Marshall or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk.

Posted 22 December 2016

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.