What Questions Should I Ask When Buying a House?

Property transactions can be difficult, but there are ways of making them more straightforward. Partnering with a dependable and experienced solicitor is essential for a seamless and stress-free process. A solicitor, such as John M Lewis & Co, plays a pivotal role in managing the legal aspects of your property deal. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of critical questions to ask your conveyancer when buying a house.

1. What’s Covered in Your Charges?

Understanding the scope of your fees is paramount. While many solicitors, including us at John M Lewis & Co, offer fixed fees, it’s crucial to have a clear picture of what the quoted fee encompasses. Property transactions can be intricate, and unexpected issues may surface, potentially resulting in additional charges.

Our Approach: Transparency is at the core of our practice. We will always provide you with advanced notice if any supplementary fees are anticipated, ensuring you’re never caught off guard. The more information you share at the outset, the more accurate our initial quote can be.

2. Who Will Manage My Transaction, and What’s Their Expertise?

Knowing the individual overseeing your transaction and their level of experience is vital. It’s also important to be aware of their availability and schedule to ensure they can devote the necessary time to your case.

Our Approach: At John M Lewis & Co, we boast a dedicated team of skilled property lawyers and conveyancers. While you will have a specific solicitor assigned to your case, our entire team remains well-informed about the progress of all transactions. This means there’s always someone available to assist you, even if your primary lawyer is temporarily occupied.

3. How Can I Contribute to a Smooth Process?

Though conveyancers handle many facets of the transaction, there are stages where your involvement is crucial. You will be required to sign and return documents and contracts at specific junctures in the process.

Our Approach: Your solicitor at John M Lewis & Co will provide you with guidance regarding your responsibilities, streamlining the process as much as possible. By promptly furnishing the required documents and fulfilling your role, you can contribute to a swift and efficient transaction.

4. What’s Your Communication Strategy?

Effective communication is paramount throughout the property transaction. You should have the freedom to select your preferred mode of updates, whether by phone, text, email, or traditional post.

Our Approach: Recognising the significance of keeping you well-informed at every stage, we offer updates through your chosen method of communication at John M Lewis & Co. This ensures you’re always in the loop without any added stress.

5. Are You Regulated by a Professional Body?

When selecting a solicitor, the regulation by a professional legal body is a crucial factor to consider. It serves as an assurance of reliability, trustworthiness, and competence.

Our Approach: We take pride in being regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority at John M Lewis & Co, underscoring our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest professional standards in the industry.

For professional support and guidance throughout your property transaction in Derby, turn to John M Lewis & Co. We are committed to delivering a seamless and efficient experience, ensuring that your property dealings are conducted with the utmost care and professionalism.