From skew-whiff timescales to constantly having to chase your conveyancer Licensed Conveyancer at Jackson Lees, Dominic Byrne, discusses some common misconceptions about his work:

In my work as a Licensed Conveyancer, my team and I work to move people into their dream homes. The most exciting part of my work is when I know that a person can now move into their home and be sure that everything is just as they hope it will be.

There are, however, some real misconceptions about the work that we do and how the process works.

Here are a few common beliefs about the conveyancing process:

  • “The transaction takes 4 – 6 weeks from the moment you make your offer or your offer is accepted!”  

Whilst we do want to get the transaction done as quickly as possible, it is impossible, especially on a purchase, for us to do any work until we receive the contract paperwork from the seller’s solicitors. This can take 2 – 3 weeks post-offer. Once the contract paperwork has been reviewed, it could then take anything between 8 – 12 weeks depending on the complexities of the legal title.

  • “You have to chase your conveyancer for anything to be done!”

This is not true. Conveyancers, especially at Jackson Lees, work non-stop throughout the day on our clients’ files and have in mind exactly where our clients want to be and when they want to move. We will update you on the next stages of the process in a way that works best for you.

  • “You need to speak to the case handler every time.”

While it is true that most of the important legal investigation is carried out by me, I couldn’t do my job without my three assistants Fay,  Dan and Emily, who also work on your files 5 days a week and have more than enough knowledge to answer any query. If indeed, it is a query I need to answer, then I am more than happy to speak to you directly.

If I could tell prospective buyers and sellers three things, it would be the following:

  • Investing time is key

My colleagues and I are working hard in the background to make sure that all the steps that need to be completed are done correctly. We want you to be able to make the decision about your purchase, or sale, with all the information you need, and we are here to protect you and your home from potential issues that could arise after the conveyancing process is over.

Investing this time is essential to make sure that you have all the information you need before you proceed and to make sure there are no legal defects when you come to sell

  • Communication is everything

We’re here to make the process as smooth as possible, and we will be in touch with anything that we need. We can communicate with you in a variety of different ways, including telephone and email.

  • Be flexible with your completion date!

Whilst you may have a completion date in your head when your offer is accepted, this often isn’t the date which is agreed. Dates are discussed when the legal investigation has come to a close and the whole chain is in a position to proceed. You can only go as fast as the slowest person in the chain.

That’s why we would recommend to not book removals until you have exchanged. Exchange is the point where the transaction becomes legally binding, the completion date (which everyone in the chain has agreed to) is set and you cannot pull out without financial penalty.

If you do book removals before your Conveyancer has confirmed exchange, be warned that you could lose a deposit with your removal company. The same goes for giving notice on rental accommodation, as you do not want to risk having to move out of a rented home before you can move into your new one. We would also advise to not do this until exchange has happened.

It’s also worth noting that on completion day, the money needs time to move from bank to bank so please do not expect to get the keys at 9am. If you are in a long chain, you could very well be waiting until late on in the day for your keys.

Wirral Globe:

Moving homes is a really exciting time and we’re here to chat to you about any questions you might have about the process.

Since lockdown began, we have remained very much open for business virtually and continue to handle all client cases and new enquiries as if we were in the office. We are able to offer telephone consultations, and, where practical, video meetings.

At Jackson Lees we will act in your best interests, helping you every step of the way to ensure your home move is completed on time. For a no-obligation quote, please give us a call on 0808 302 3682 (also free to call from mobiles) or visit www.jacksonlees.co.uk.

Professional Service

Jackson Lees understand that moving house can be stressful and will provide you with expert, professional and efficient legal advice, ensuring that, whatever your property transaction, it will be as smooth as possible.

What Jackson Lees can do for you…

  • Three local offices to choose from;
    • Liverpool 0151 909 3146
    • Heswall 0151 909 4804
    • Hoylake 0151 909 3142
  • Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (‘CQS’) accredited

If you are looking to buy, sell or re-mortgage, Jackson Lees can help, contact the team at one of the offices to book an appointment, or to chat through your options, call 0808 302 3682 or visit the website www.jacksonlees.co.uk