FAQS

1. What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of real estate from one person or entity to another. This process involves preparation, execution, verification and lodgement of several documents.  Investigating the title of the property is one of the most important elements of conveyancing, as well as searching for anything that may affect the property such as proposals by government, illegal structures and outstanding rates.

2. What does a conveyancer do?

Buying a property can be an exciting time, but it can also be a very nervous time as it is often one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. A conveyancer will inform you of the steps to take in the transaction and guide you through the process of purchasing real estate.  A conveyancer will assist you to meet your legal obligations and to protect your rights and interests. A conveyancer’s work will include, but not be limited to:

• Certificate of Title Searches
• Government department and local authority searches
• Contractual advice
• Preparation and certification of legal documents
• Document stamping
• Calculating adjustments of rates and taxes
• Preparation of settlement statements
• Liasing with mortgagees and financiers
• Settlement attendance
• Verification of identity
• Document storage
• Services relating to buying and selling commercial & industrial property
• Commercial and retail leases
• Contracts for the sale and purchase of business
• Subdivisions and new titles

3. What can my conveyancer advise me on?

Your conveyancer can provide advice on the following matters:

• Types of title and forms of ownership;
• Cooling off periods;
• Circumstances that may affect settlement;
• Available grants, concessions and rebates (for example, the First Home Owners Grant);
• Fees and charges, including rates and taxes;
• Change of ownership;
• Legal obligations;
• Insurance responsibilities;
• Caveats and encumbrances; and
• Special conditions and “subject too” clauses.

4. What do we charge?

One of the costs involved in your transaction will be the fees that you pay to your conveyancer. Your conveyancer’s fees at Bell Conveyancing reflect their professionalism and the complexity of your transaction. In NSW fees are not regulated and are reflective of the amount of time and specialised skill required for your particular transaction.

5. Where are we located?

Bell Conveyancing are located in Bathurst,  However, we services all areas of New South Wales and specialise in meeting with our clients at times and locations that are convenient for them. 

6. Can I do the conveyancing work myself?

Whilst it is not against the law to do the conveyancing work yourself, it is not recommended. Conveyancing requires highly technical legal work and if an error is made it may cause settlement to be delayed and cause substantial additional costs or even termination of contract by the other party.

7. Do I need a solicitor?

No, registered conveyancers are skilled in this area of legal work and you do not need to use a solicitor. Whilst some conveyancers are qualified solicitors, there is specialised tertiary education available for non-solicitors to qualify them to act in this area.

8. Do we use E-conveyancing?

Bell Conveyancing are “E-ready” and able to transact with other conveyancers who are also “E-ready”. This is the fastest and most efficient method of conducting your transfer. There is an additional fee of $123.97 (payable by the client) to transfer a title electronically and we will need to obtain your consent before we conduct an electronic settlement on your behalf.

9. Should the buyer and seller use the same conveyancer?

Whilst is would seem convenient to use the same conveyancer, it is not recommended to do so. If a conveyancer acts for both parties there is a potential for a conflict of interest to arise, resulting in the conveyance being forced to cease to act, which can cause delays and additional costs.

10. Do we have indemnity insurance?

Yes, Bell Conveyancing holds Professional Indemnity Insurance. This is to protect the client in the unlikely event that an error is made.