Purchasing your own home is likely to be the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Buying your own home may be a very stressful and a daunting process. Many people often ask themselves, ‘will I be able to afford this investment’? In order to alleviate the stress of the process, simple actions can be undertaken to make the process much simpler.
Choosing the best and well-suited conveyancing attorney specialist is vital when it comes to buying and selling your home. An experienced specialist could be the difference between your sale or purchase going through or not. In the right hands, the stress, cost and time involved in buying and selling property can be minimised.
Here are seven tips to finding the right conveyancing specialist:
1. Remember to buy local:
- A local legal firm like Woodhead Bigby Attorneys will help you get the personal touch you may need. It is much easier to choose a firm that is nearby in case you may want to pop into their offices for a quick meeting and interview with one of our specialists. Buying local is a great opportunity because conveyancing attorneys in the area will have an exceptional understanding and grasp on issues and potential problems that may occur locally. It is also a good idea to be nearby so you can continue the relationship after your property transaction. Woodhead Bigby Attorneys are specialists based in La Lucia.
2. Make sure you contact a friend:
- We advise you to seek recommendations from those you know best and who are happy to suggest a good conveyancing attorney within your area.
3. Correctly Qualified:
- Make sure the firm you choose is experienced in handling conveyancing matters and has a clearly – identifiable conveyancing team who specialises in property. At Woodhead Bigby, over 80% of its practising attorneys hold additional qualifications in property law and conveyancing.
4. The Legal Practice Council – membership, accreditation and insurance cover:
- The Legal Practice Council of South Africa keeps a record of all practising Attorneys, Conveyancers and Notaries Public and registered law firms. The LPCSA makes sure that its members are compliant with the Legal Practice Act, have valid Fidelity Fund Certificates and appropriate insurance cover. Make sure that the conveyancer that you are dealing with is a registered Legal Practitioner and a fully paid member of the LPCSA.
- Woodhead Bigby Attorneys are fully compliant Legal Practitioners and have valid Fidelity Fund Certificates. Woodhead Bigby has its own, additional, insurance cover to meet the highest standards of client service, professionalism, technical expertise and be the leaders in best practice standards.
5. The Costs:
- Before you commit to buying the property, ask your conveyancing attorney how much it is likely to cost you (over and above the purchase price) so you know that you have enough cash handy. If you are dealing with a reputable conveyancing firm, they will have an online calculator that will give you an idea of the types of costs involved in purchasing a property. Costs often depend on the type and value of the property that you intend buying.
- Woodhead Bigby has an online cost calculator which is a good start, but it is always best to get in contact a conveyancing attorney directly for an explanation on the costs if it is your first purchase. Request an estimate breakdown of the standard costs here.
6. Communication is key:
- You must choose a conveyancing attorney who is easily accessible and approachable. It is worth finding out about their operating times and how they go about the transaction so you do not get lost in the process.
- Here at Woodhead Bigby Attorneys, we offer a dynamic team of property law specialists catering to suit all your needs. Find out more about our team structure and availability here.
7. Information is vital:
- Visiting a law firm’s website and social media platforms often gives a good representation of their professionalism, values and work ethics. If you would like to find out more about Woodhead Bigby Attorneys connect with us on our social media platforms: Facebook and LinkedIn.
Contact us:
- Buying a property is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. Therefore, it is imperative that you find an expert conveyancing attorney to advise you. At Woodhead Bigby Attorneys we focus on our clients’ demands for a legal service model that provides value. Our clients choose us because we're experienced, accessible, trustworthy, and effective. We make buying and selling a property as smooth, stress-free and hassle-free as possible. We are committed to providing a unique customer service.
Do you need expert advice?
Contact one of our property and conveyancing experts:
- Email: mail@woodhead.co.za
- Tel: +27 31 360 9700