house sale solicitor

Legacy_user

Do i really need a solicitor when selling my house ?

hazyjo

You can do it yourself - but not advisable unless you're au fait with the law, competent and are absolutely sure you won't miss something! Not something I would try to save money on!

Also, the other side's solicitor may not want to deal with you and could possibly request that you use one.

Are you buying too, or just selling?

Jx

G_M

Yes, you can do it yourself. However:

* Is there a mortgage to be paid off? If so, you will need topay it off and remove the Charge on the Title before Completion (ie before you receive the sale money. Solicitors give each other an 'undertaking' to do this afterwards, but the buyer will not accept such an undertaking from you.

* you will need to be literate & reasonably intelligent/educated

* you will need to be willing to devote sometime to it - more than a solicitor would due to the learning curve

* it becomes more complex if there is a lease, or related covenants/conveyances involved

See

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/085202813X

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bradshaws-Guide-Buying-Selling-Conveyancing/dp/B001KSX616

I have done this several times. There can be objections from the other side, but if you deal with them politely, firmly, professionally their objections have no real foundation.

Some solicitors here claim dealing with a DIYer involves more work for them because:

* the DIYer asks Qs and needs help. But I never ask the other side's solicitor for advice/help and always make ssure I know what I'm doing

* the other solicitor has to double check what the DIYer does - But a solicitor should always check what the other side does, whether a DIYer or solicitor.

System

we are just selling but it looks like we will have to get one !

zzzLazyDaisy

I have always used a solicitor, even though I have done some conveyancing in my professional capacity in the past. I just prefer to have someone acting as a buffer and dealing with any problems that might arise. But as G_M says, the major disincentive for most sellers is having to find the funds to discharge mortgage before you receive the money from the sale of the property.