How To Spot A Good Conveyancer For Your Property

Conveyancers can take the hassle of transferring the ownership of certain real estate property from your shoulders. They are your partners in helping you navigate the complicated world of property ownership. That is why it is critical to choose only the best conveyancer for your property. But how do you spot a good conveyancer?

Expertise in Property, Conveyancing, and Related Laws

While the process of transferring the ownership of a property may look easy, it is really not. There are many documents that one has to prepare. These documents have to comply with the different requirements of the law. When it comes to choosing a good conveyancer, it is important to gauge the person’s knowledge of property and conveyancing law.

Many conveyancers are lawyers by profession. They use their understanding of real estate and property laws to facilitate the transfer of property ownership in an expeditious manner. Different territories in Australia have different rules and regulations related to property ownership. The conveyancer should be well-versed with the laws of the territory of the city where the property is located.

While a degree in law is ideal, it is still possible for someone to call himself a conveyancer. This will only happen if he can prove that he has taken a course in conveyancing from a reputable and accredited educational institution. This is often enough to help guarantee that the conveyancer is knowledgeable in all aspects of property transactions.

Has the Appropriate License and Membership to a Professional Organisation

One way you can spot a good conveyancer for you property is to ask if he has a license. As already mentioned, not all conveyancers are lawyers. There are those who were able to obtain their skills and knowledge through a special course in conveyancing. In most instances, the course can run up to 4 years. Upon completion of the program, the person undergoes a comprehensive examination. If he passes the test, then he gets licensed as a professional conveyancer.

It will not hurt to ask a conveyancer to show you a proof of his license as well as educational background. It is also wise to ask for the conveyancer’s membership in any professional organization. For example, in Australia, you would expect a conveyancer to be a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.

There may be conveyancers who will argue that membership in an organization is not necessary. While this may be true, you have to recognize the value of a professional organization. These associations have very strict rules. They also have a set of standards that they expect all members to live up to. This is one of your guarantees that the conveyancing service you will receive is on par with the standards of the organization.

Specialized Knowledge

Many conveyancers are also practicing lawyers. However, this does not often mean that they are already well-versed with property laws or conveyancing laws. You will have to dig deeper into the conveyancer’s focus. Law is a very broad discipline. It is important that the lawyer specializes in property and real estate laws.

If the conveyancer is not a lawyer, then you will have to ask more probing questions. Dedicated professionals will often seek continuing development activities. Many will take up specialized courses to help them improve or enhance their competencies.

It will also help if you have an idea as to the types of property transactions that the conveyancer has handled in the past. Are these activities similar to what you have now? If so, could these qualify as the conveyancer’s field of expertise?

Good Communication

Conveyancers serve as a bridge between property authorities and the clients that they serve. Hence, good communication is a must in this profession. He must be able to keep you abreast of the progress of the property transaction. You do not want to be left in the dark as to what is happening in your transaction. The conveyancer should maintain open communication.

Always ask the professional how he handles communication with his clients. Be very clear as to the frequency of your meetings or how he will keep you updated on the progress of your property transaction. Will he be using emails, call you by phone, or set up a meeting with you personally? If so, how often will this meeting be?

Provides Clear Explanations

Some lawyers have a knack for grandstanding. They will use very technical terms to impress their clients. For them, it is a way they can show their ‘expertise’. However, ordinary homeowners and potential property buyers do not understand what these terms mean.

A conveyancer’s job is to serve as a bridge between you and the agency that will process the property transaction. He must be able to explain to you, in layman’s terms, the different aspects of the transaction. He must be able to translate technical terms into a more straightforward language. The conveyancer should also be able to explain a simplified version of the different procedures inherent in a transaction.

True conveyancers can provide very clear explanations about the whole process. They have this special ability to translate technical terms into simple words that even children can understand. This way, you can make an informed decision related to different aspects of the process.

Attention to Detail

One of the skills of a conveyancer that you will have to look for is attention to detail. The success of a property transaction is dependent on the completeness and accuracy of information submitted to the correct authorities. This means that the process is fast because the conveyancer is there to spot any mistake in a document before it gets submitted for processing.

Ask about the average time it takes for a particular property transaction to complete. You can also verify this with the conveyancer’s past clients. Ask them about how fast the conveyancer was able to facilitate the processing of their property ownership. This will give you an idea on the conveyancer’s attention to detail.

Spotting a good conveyancer for your property requires an understanding of the unique qualities of a true conveyancer. Only then will you be able to identify the right conveyancer for your needs.