Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer in Winsford is not listed on my lender's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of her conveyancing?
That would most likely be an incorrect assumption to make. There are plenty of plausible explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Should you be concerned you should contact the Winsford conveyancing firm and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your lender.
IfI were to buy a freehold propertyin Winsford for cash and have no survey and no conveyancing searches how much would I expect to to save on my conveyancing in Winsford?
Any savings you would make would be limited to the costs for searches. Your property lawyer is obliged to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, correspond with the sellers conveyancer, stamp duty return, register the title etc. A marginal saving might be made by not having to register a charge however it won't be a lot.
After researching consumer advice sites for a conveyancing solicitor in Winsford, many comment that I should use a CQS kitemarked lawyer. What is CQS?
Winsford Conveyancing Quality Scheme practices have achieved certification under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) The Law Society created CQS to promote high standards in the home legal process. CQS helps buyers and sellers to identify solicitor firms who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Winsford is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which accredited firms have offices. The scheme obliges practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, random audits and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status. It is available to solicitors and not licensed conveyancers and has the support of the Legal Ombudsman.
My step-father has recommend that I appoint his conveyancers in Winsford. Should I use them?
No doubt the ideal way to find a conveyancing solicitor is to have recommendations from friends or family who have previously instructed the firm you're considering.
Is it necessary during the course of the conveyancing process to have a meeting at the offices of the lender conveyancing panel solicitor to sign the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Winsford as it will be easier to pop in to their offices if required.
As opposed to ten years ago, most lenders no longer require their conveyancing panel solicitor to witness the borrowers signature. You will still be obliged to provide ID Documents and there are still distinct advantages to using a local solicitor, in your case a conveyancing solicitor in Winsford.