Solicitors

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The legal profession is often criticised for being expensive and impersonal. This certainly doesn't have to be your experience. A carefully chosen lawyer is a vital part of your professional armoury. A good lawyer will prevent problems, not create them-and they rarely make unnecessary work for themselves.

Solicitors are usually found by word of mouth through friends or colleagues whose judgement you can trust. Then you need to talk to them about their attitude. Don't assume they are unapproachable-you are paying them to provide a service just like your plumber or electrician.

Get a firm price from your solicitors for the total conveyancing job, including all necessary legal work concerned with the mortgage. Solicitors have a scale of fees based upon the property's price, its type of title, its mortgage and any preliminary documents. Many are happy to discount these prices because they are more organised and are pleased to see your business. Fees are quite reasonable in most states and will probably decrease in the more expensive states as title searches become more centralised and vendor disclosure more complete.

Finally, all solicitors carry indemnity insurance which is tried and tested and will provide compensation if they make any serious mistakes. Complaints against their charges or service can also be made to the relevant Law Society in your state.

Need a conveyancer? See this section

Source: House Hunting by Jerry Tyrell

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