We were about to choose a conveyancing solicitor in Totterdown found on your site but have come across some other fee calculations via the web look less pricey – why is this?

There are a variety of solicitors marketing at first sight what seems to be very low prices. Our advice is to give due consideration as to how important this transaction is to you that you are willing to be penny wise pound foolish with regard to the quality of the legal work. Some hide additional charges well inside the terms and conditions. The conveyancers that we list for conveyancing in Totterdown will notbehave this way.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Totterdown? What am I being asked for?

In order to comply with Money Laundering Regulations any Totterdown conveyancing firm will require proof of identity in all conveyancing matters. This is usually dealt with by provision of a passport and an original bank statement or utility account evidencing where you live.

In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, conveyancers are duty bound to check not only the identity of conveyancing clients but also the origin of monies that they receive in respect of any matter. Refusal to disclose this may result in your conveyancer ending their retainer with you, as clearly this will cause a conflict between the set Regulations and a refusal to disclose.

Your property lawyers will have an obligation to inform the relevant authorities should they believe that any monies received by them may contravene the Money Laundering Regulations.

I am buying a semi-detached house in Totterdown. Conveyancing solicitors are said to be ‘a necessary evil’ but can I do it myself?

Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing in Totterdown you will have to appoint a solicitor on your bank's conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to be made in you doing conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on your lender panel in Totterdown.

I have been sourcing a conveyancing solicitor in Totterdown for my home move. Is there any facility to see a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?

One can see documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Visit Check a solicitor's record. For records Pre 2008, or to check a firm's history, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For non-uk callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could recorded call for training requirements.

I have just appointed agents to market my garden flat in Totterdown.Conveyancing is yet to be initiated however I have recently received a half-yearly maintenance charge invoice – Do I pay up?

It best that you clear the invoice as you normally would as all ground rent and service charges will be apportionedas part of the financial calculations for completion monies, so you will be reimbursed by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most managing agents will not acknowledge the buyer until the service charges have been paid and are up to date so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process