If the stamp duty holiday has encouraged you to sell your home, it is important you know a bit about the sales process. At Austin Property Services, we are on hand to help you make the right decisions.

We will even provide you with a property valuation. A valuation is essential when it comes to connecting with buyers. Also, with a realistic valuation, you can make an informed decision as to your budget when you next move.

You’ll need help from professionals. We are here to help, but do you know the importance of legal representation? A conveyancer will help you sell your home, and we are here to ensure you make the right decision in moving.

Many movers don’t know what a conveyancer does

In a survey carried out by My Home Move Conveyancing, many respondents were unsure of what service a conveyancer offers.

Close to 40% of prospective home buyers said they were unsure of what conveyancers and solicitors do. More than 25% of respondents said they were unsure of what stamp duty is.

21% of respondents said they were unsure of what to look for in a new home. However, the most commonly cited features buyers are looking for were open fires, a double garage and increased storage space.

Things to consider when looking for a conveyancer include:

• Who will hold responsibility for the transaction?

• What qualifications does a potential conveyancer hold?

• Will your choice of conveyancer personally manage your case or will they rely on assistants?

• What methods of communication is preferred by your conveyancer and legal representative?

• Does your conveyancer have a strong track record?

A low cost option isn’t always the best solution

As with many things in life, you need to consider what represents value for money. If a low-cost solution doesn’t provide you with what you need, it is not a viable option.

The Legal Ombudsman advises; “While it’s a good idea to get quotes, remember that buying a house is in all likelihood the biggest financial outlay you’ll have in your life. By all means make sure that you’ve got a competitive quote but don’t become consumed with getting the cheapest.”

The following advice is also provided by the Legal Ombudsman, “A few quotes are usually enough. If you’re spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on a house, in the overall scheme of things once you’ve got a few quotes to compare ask yourself whether it is a good use of your time to spend days ringing around twenty lawyers in an effort to save maybe £20 on legal fees?”

The Advisory provides a checklist on what a good conveyancer offers to home buyers:

1. The firm should specialise in residential conveyancing or at least have a specialist conveyancing department.

2. You should be told who will be handling your case. Ideally you should be given their direct line.

3. They are technologically advanced enough to employ; online case tracking, e-mail & SMS update systems.

4. Operate on a ‘No completion, no fee’ basis.

5. Operate on a ‘fixed fee guarantee’ basis.

6. Are on all major lenders’ ‘Approved’ panels.

7. Operate extended opening hours.

8. Provide you with a ‘Client Care Letter’ upfront.

We know many people have questions and queries right now, and we are here to help as best we can. Please get in touch with Austin Property Services if there is anything, we can assist you with. You can call us on 01305 858470 or you can email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..