Whether you’re buying or selling a property, a good conveyancer is the key to a smooth and stress-free process. But how do you find one that’s perfect for you and your needs? 

To get you started, we’ve put together some of our top tips on how to find a good conveyancer below. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and experienced team.

Overview:

 

How to find a good conveyancer: 3 tips

1. Ask your real estate agent or lawyer

Asking a professional, like a real estate agent or lawyer, is a great way to find a good conveyancer. In particular, real estate agents deal with conveyancers day in and day out, so they’re a great place to start. But remember that your choice of conveyancer is entirely up to you – you do not need to follow the recommendation of a real estate agent. The most important thing is that you find a conveyancer with whom you connect, are confident in and you know has a reputation for doing a great job. 

2. Ask a friend or family member

When you’re learning how to find a good conveyancer, sometimes the best referral you can get is from your friends or family – especially if they’ve recently bought or sold a property recently. They can talk you through their own personal experience, how the conveyancer communicated and how they felt throughout the settlement process.

3. Search the AICSA website

The Australian Institute of Conveyancers SA Division (AICSA) is the peak body representing the conveyancing profession. Members of AICSA are fully qualified, registered and subject to a code of conduct. You can use their online tool to find a conveyancer that will provide professional, expert advice.

How do I choose a conveyancer?

Now that you know how to find a good conveyancer, how do you narrow down your options so you can pick the best one? Here are a few things you can do to find a conveyancer (SA). 

Read reviews

Reviews are one of the best indicators of how good a conveyancer is. Take the time to carefully look at the reviews on their website, social media, Google business page and any other review website (e.g. trust pilot). If there are negative reviews, make sure to read the conveyancer’s replies too – they usually show what the conveyancer is like at resolving conflict. 

Ask the conveyancer questions

When you meet with a potential conveyancer, there are a few questions you can ask them to gauge the quality of their services. For example:

  • How will you communicate with me and how often?
  • What are your fees and charges? Are there any hidden costs?
  • What types of property do you specialise in?
  • Are you a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers?

Location

Another thing you might want to consider when choosing a conveyancer is where they’re based. If your matter is straightforward and only requires one visit, the location of the conveyancer’s office probably won’t really matter. But if you’ll need to see the conveyancer regularly, we recommend opting for one that is relatively close to where you live or work. 

At Eckermanns, we have seven locations in Adelaide, so you’re sure to find an office near you.

Language spoken

If English isn’t your first language, the whole process of buying or selling a house can seem even more daunting. If a conveyancer offers a language other than English, this may be a huge deciding factor for you. For example, we have an experienced mandarin speaking conveyancer at Eckermanns. 

Extra services

When it comes to choosing a conveyancer, sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference, especially if you’re time-poor or moving house on your own. Be sure to look out for conveyancers that offer additional services, like after-hours help, on-going observation of your title and services to help with your move. 

At Eckermanns, we offer:

What should a good conveyancer do?

When you’re selling or buying a property, there are a number of things your conveyancer should be doing on your behalf. These include:

  • Preparation of paperwork and documents
  • Contract of sale preparation (for sellers if this service isn’t provided by the sales agent)
  • Contract of sale review (for buyers)
  • Review of Form 1 documentation (and preparation if required)
  • Prepare settlement statement 
  • Property searches e.g. title search, local and state authority searches
  • Facilitate the settlement in the electronic conveyancing workspace

Learn more: what does a conveyancer do?

How much should a conveyancer cost?

The cost of a conveyancer can vary depending on a number of factors, such as:

  • Whether you are selling or buying 
  • The complexity of the transaction 
  • The type of property involved – and with some conveyancers, the purchase price
  • How much work they need to do – e.g. are there foreseen complications?
  • The number of parties involved in the purchase or sale
  • Which conveyancer you choose

If you’d like a better understanding of what you might need to pay for a conveyancer, please speak to the team at Eckermanns. 

When should you get a conveyancer?

We recommend engaging a conveyancer before you’re ready to buy or sell a house. Getting a conveyancer involved early is the best way to ensure your settlement goes smoothly. If you are purchasing, your conveyancer can review the contract and Form 1 prior to you bidding at auction or making an offer by private treaty. Remember, your choice of conveyancer is entirely up to you.

Trusted Conveyancer in Adelaide

At Eckermanns, we understand the importance of having an experienced and reliable conveyancer on your side. When you choose Eckermanns as your conveyancer, you can rest assured that we’ll put you first and be with you every step of the way. Contact our team via our online form or 8366 7900 to discuss your property matter. 

People also read:

How to find a conveyancer in South Australia: The video

Without further ado, here is the short video you’ll be seeing on social media from time to time.
Thank you in advance, should you choose to share it among your friends.