The right solicitor
Continuing from our earlier piece titled “Legal Work | Liz Syms Exclusive: When Conveyancing Goes Wrong Uncovered,” we aim to provide a balanced perspective. Let’s delve into the crucial role of the right solicitor in ensuring a successful mortgage completion.
In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, the mortgage market has been under the spotlight, exposing the often sluggish and intricate processes it entails. It’s commendable to witness advisers and mortgage lenders embracing innovations like electronic ID and desktop valuations to streamline these processes.
Nevertheless, the pressing stamp duty deadlines have shed light on the challenges solicitors face, revealing some of the outdated and time-consuming procedures within the legal aspects of transactions.
To guide clients through this maze and ensure a smooth experience, advisers must be pivotal in helping them select the right solicitor. This is especially crucial in complex transactions or situations where tight deadlines must be met.
A crucial starting point is assessing the solicitor’s capacity to handle the task at hand. Advisers can empower their clients to inquire about the solicitor’s ability to meet deadlines and the existence of contingency plans in case of capacity issues. It’s essential for a solicitor to not only have the expertise but also the bandwidth to navigate through challenging timelines.
In addition to evaluating capacity, advisers can further assist their clients by exploring the solicitor’s adaptability to modern technologies. Emphasising the importance of a tech-savvy approach, advisers can guide clients to seek solicitors who leverage electronic tools and digital platforms to expedite processes and enhance efficiency.
By actively engaging with these considerations, advisers can play a pivotal role in ensuring that their clients choose not only a solicitor with the right expertise but also one who aligns with the contemporary demands of a rapidly evolving mortgage market.
Choosing the right solicitor
Has the solicitor adapted any technology to assist the process? Look for signs of adaptation, such as a dedicated portal for tracking the progress of your case or a preference for email correspondence over traditional mail. To assess a solicitor’s service standards and guarantee you’re working with the right solicitor, consider testing their responsiveness by sending an early email and evaluating their reply speed.
Furthermore, evaluate the solicitor’s willingness to resolve issues promptly by picking up the phone. Written communication, at times, may not comprehensively address a problem, leading to unnecessary delays. A simple phone call to the right solicitor could swiftly resolve the issue, ensuring the smooth progression of your application.
Avoid potential setbacks by confirming that your solicitor is on the lender’s panel at the outset of the legal process. Lenders may restrict the choice of solicitors they work with, and having a solicitor on the lender’s panel allows for “dual representation.” This means that the solicitor can represent both your interests and the lender’s, streamlining the process and saving time. Opting for a solicitor on the lender’s panel not only results in a single legal bill for the client but also eliminates the need for coordination between two solicitors working on the same transaction.
Choosing the right solicitor with these considerations in mind ensures a more efficient and seamless legal experience.
Navigating dal representation challenges in specialised BTL markets with the right solicitor