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approved by Ecology BS
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Ecology BS list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
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How does my firm apply to be on the Ecology Building Society Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Ecology Building Society Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Ecology Building Society Conveyancing Panel
Frequently asked questions relating to the Ecology Building Society Solicitor Panel
I appointed a firm of solicitors to conveyancing on my remortgage three weeks ago having applied for a mortgage with Ecology Building Society. The firm assured me that they are on Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel and advised me their panel number. Ecology Building Society then told me that their panel number was dormant and would need to be reactivated. What do I do from here? Do I instruct a different law firm listed on the conveyancing panel for Ecology Building Society?
The answer depends on whether you still have confidence in the said solicitors and how long it will take for the firm to be reinstated on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel You may wish to enlist the help of your broker to check with the Ecology Building Society as to the time frame to get your lawyer reinstated on the panel once again.
My conveyancer has identified an inconsistency when comparing the assumptions in Ecology Building Society’s valuation report and what is revealed within the legal papers for the property. My solicitor informs me that as he is on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel he is obliged to ensure that the bank is with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my conveyancer’s course or action right?
A precondition to being on the Ecology Building Society approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Ecology Building Society) which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near Chelsea on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the Ecology Building Society approved panel?
We are not in the business of recommending one firm above another as the right firm for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with local knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. Before you appoint your lawyer we advise you to speak to two or three of the firms listed to gain comfort as to which one is right for you..
My solicitors in London have advised me that no longer have my conveyancing file. At the time of my purchase I took out a mortgage with Ecology Building Society. Is it case that being on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a number of years?
Different lenders have different requirements but many of the Terms and Conditions of Conveyancing Panel Appointment require the file to be held for a period of 6 years. That being said we have not seen a copy of the Ecology Building Society Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting Ecology Building Society directly.
We expect to receive a DIP from Ecology Building Society this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc).Do the Ecology Building Society recommend a solicitor on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer
You will need to appoint solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and the Ecology Building Society through the process.
I have had an offer accepted on a house I spoke to a conveyancer recommended by my mum and he recommended instructing a solicitor approved by Ecology Building Society. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Ecology Building Society if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Ecology Building Society suggested that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Ecology Building Society 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of Ecology Building Society to suggest a law firm in your location. Lenders have them all over the country. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Ecology Building Society’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.
I have instructed a lawyer having made sure that they are on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
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Having digested plenty of mortgage guides,I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my solicitor - who is on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Ecology Building Society will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Ecology Building Society will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey.
You may wish to consider appointing your own surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.
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Your lawyer will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Ecology Building Society you could contact your them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors.