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Our dedicated team will make the sales process as seamless and stress free as possible
Deciding to move and sell your house is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, so instructing the right solicitor is vitally important to make the sale process as seamless as possible.
Our dedicated team of experts offer practical and personalised legal advice. You will be given a named member of staff as your main point of contact who will keep you updated at all the important stages throughout the transaction.
Advice for sellers
Once you have found a buyer and if there is an estate agent marketing the property, they will issue all parties with a Memorandum of Sale which provides details such as the names of buyers, buyers’ solicitors and sale price. We will then open a file and send initial documentation for you to complete. On receipt of the completed documentation, we will issue draft contract documentation to the buyer's solicitor consisting of a draft contract of sale, together with information relating to the legal title and the property itself.
What happens if unexpected issues arise on the searches?
Sometimes unexpected issues arise in respect of the buyer's search results, and we will explain these to you. These can vary from property to property, and we will work and discuss with you the best way to resolve the issues.
What other complications could arise when I’m selling?
On receipt of the contract documentation the buyer's solicitor will usually raise enquiries. These can range from something from very simple to quite complicated which can sometimes slow down a transaction, especially if contact needs to be made with a third party such as a landlord or Managing Agent. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have; no question is too trivial.
What are the costs I am likely to incur?
From the outset, we will provide you with a breakdown of costs, which include our fixed fee legal costs together with any third-party payments. Fees are charged on a sliding scale and are dependent upon the sale price. There can sometimes be unexpected fees that cannot always be included in our initial quotation to you, for example, the property may be un-registered, and the work involved in this regard is more in-depth and protracted and will incur an additional fee. However, as soon as we are aware of any additional fees that may be payable, we would discuss these with you and confirm this in writing so that there are no hidden or unexpected charges.
How will my solicitor help me in the sale process?
We will assist in whatever possible way we can. Since the pandemic we have predominately been using email to issue documentation as opposed to using the postal system. Most clients do like being able to print, sign and return their own documents to us, but not everyone has access to technology, so we are still happy to post documentation, chat to you over the phone or make an appointment for you to attend the office.
FAQs
What are some Top Tips when buying a house?
There are many hurdles to jump when you’re purchasing a new home.
- Know the true costs and set a budget. Don’t just save for a deposit; budget for the whole buying process including surveys, searches, land registry, mortgage arrangement and legal fees, stamp duty, removal and furnishing costs and any potential repairs. And, if you’re buying a leasehold property, remember to factor in service charges and ground rent.
- Get an ‘Agreement in Principle’ before making an offer. Talk to a mortgage adviser about mortgage deals, then get an 'agreement in principle' from a mortgage lender – it could give you the edge on buyers without one.
- Consider your options - if you are a first time buyer, it’s well worth exploring the government’s first time buyer initiatives.
- Appoint an experienced lawyer - a good lawyer will manage the legal side of house buying and ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Get first dibs – ask local estate agents to call when suitable properties are about to come onto the market, that way you can book one of the first viewings.
- Ask questions – find out as much as you can about the area and the property, including how many viewings and offers it’s had - it helps when it comes to negotiating.
- Be realistic about timings – local searches can take up to 18 weeks and if you’re in a chain, not everyone will be ready when you are.
- Commission a full property survey – it's different to a valuation survey and will flag up any problems that could cost you later down the line. Your lender may require you to use a specific surveyor.
- Get insured – find a comprehensive building insurance policy with no onerous restrictions they can impose if, for example, you’re purchasing in a flood risk area.
- Draw up a Will – if you die, you'll want your assets (including your home) to be distributed to your loved one. Ask a lawyer to help you draw up a legally binding will.
“Lucy was the most professional and approachable solicitor I have used. Moving house can be so stressful but not if Lucy does your conveyancing.”
“Brilliant service, couldn’t speak any higher of Tina and Cathy. Professional and friendly what more could you ask for.”
“Cate, was incredibly professional and friendly. She worked diligently on our conveyancing case and kept us informed throughout the process. Her eye for detail is impeccable. We're very satisfied with the service we've received from battens. Can't thank her enough for her service.”
“Throughout the entire conveyancing process, Naomi provided an excellent & efficient service dealing with any queries as they arose & keeping us well informed on progress being made. This turned a potentially stressful event into one that ran smoothly from start to finish. I'd have no hesitation in recommending Naomi to anyone who is looking to buy or sell a property.”
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to both Rachael Webber and Cate Barnes for their professionalism and attention to detail in resolving the complicated issues regarding my late uncle’s estate. From start to finish their advice and support was invaluable. Without both of them we would not have been able to bring certain elements to a successful conclusion. I would highly recommend them both and Battens without hesitation!”
“Jason was fantastic! As first time buyers, we were largely unaware of the process, however, Jason kept us up to date every step of the way. I’ve got to say, Jason made everything so clear and simple that I’m now confused as to how family/friends found their purchases stressful! I’ll be recommending Jason to anyone that mentions they’re looking to buy or sell their home!”
“A fantastic professional firm, Claire has been fantastic and has explained everything in layman’s terms and helped with any questions.”
“Top professional work of the highest standard and ability from Ross Siviter. Super efficient. Couldn't have been better.”
“My girlfriend and I used Emma Taylor in Yeovil for the purchase of our first house. Emma was very helpful and was always happy to answer any questions that we had. As first time buyers, we were completely clueless about the process however, Emma guided us through every step of the way. When Emma went on holiday Ross Siviter took over the file and we were so pleased with the work that he did whilst Emma was away.
We would definitely use Battens again and would recommend this firm to our family and friends.”
