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Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Whistletree 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 Whistletree (a trading name of TSB Bank plc) Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Whistletree (a trading name of TSB Bank plc) Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Whistletree (a trading name of TSB Bank plc) Conveyancing Panel
Whistletree Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers
Is the fact that my solicitor is not identified on the Whistletree Solicitor panel that there is a problem with the standard of her conveyancing?
That would more than likely be a wrong assumption to make. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (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. If you are concerned you should simply call the firm and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for Whistletree.
Please assist. My lawyer is not to blame but, my purchase conveyancing has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from Whistletree was date stamped random date and we have agreed a date for me to move into the property on 6. My lawyer informs me that as she is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel she needs to redo the searches as they are no longer acceptable to the lender.
A precondition to being on the Whistletree approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Whistletree)which specifies that a local authority search be not more than 6 months old. You should nevertheless ask your lawyer to check whether something called ‘search validation’ indemnity insurance is acceptable to Whistletree.
How up to date is your search tool for the Whistletree conveyancing panel? Do Whistletree send you an updated list?
The firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Whistletree conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Whistletree directly.
We're in Birmingham, First time buyers buying with a mortgage (lender is Whistletree , but our solicitor is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no conveyancer should guarantee a time-frame for your conveyancing due to third parties outside of our control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain
How can we tell if a solicitor on the Whistletree panel is any good?
seeking recommendations is a sensible starting point. Before you go ahead check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advise that you speak with the solicitor conducting your conveyancing
Do most lenders operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the Whistletree conveyancing panel requirements are different to Whistletree’s conveyancing panel requirements.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with Whistletree. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Whistletree you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Whistletree conveyancing panel.
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Transfer of Equity for WhistletreePlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors