Happy New Year to you all!
I looked back at what I wrote this time last year as I had a recollection that I had set out the top five New Year resolutions; I thought, as we enter a new year, that it would be interesting to go back and see how many of those had been achieved or was I going to be asking for the same things again as we enter another new year.
- So my first resolution last year – increase fees – even last year, I realised that I was a stuck record on this subject and I have continued to be that stuck record throughout the last year and will continue to be so. What we do is highly specialised; we are the gate keepers of the house moving world, and we deserve, and we should be demanding respect, for what we do. We have a Stamp duty break ending in March… put up your fees to help your clients save money. Yes, I know I am a stuck record on this one but think about how rushed and stressed you were coming into the Christmas break. The end of March will be worse as it is not just about the clients getting into their new homes for Christmas but it will save them money!
- My second resolution was to update the register if there had been a change before sending the draft contract documents to the other side – please do it. It saves on requisitions.
- Thirdly – Speak to each other more – do we speak to each other? I wrote that we may enjoy chatting to the other conveyancer. I know that in the last year, I did pick up the phone more to try and resolve any issues and it was nice to have a chat with someone and find that common ground.
- My fourth resolution last year was to get mortgage monies the day before completion. Many firms still do not do this and I did have a hideous completion during last year where mortgage monies did not arrive with the first time buyer’s solicitor until after 4pm, meaning that the chain was very cross/upset/ disappointed/exhausted [insert appropriate word].
- And my last resolution last year was – don’t raise standard additional enquiries . Look at the questions and decide what is needed and what will help to progress the transaction. This is still a big issue for us conveyancers
So I have all of the same resolutions but am going to add an extra one – only chase when chasing is required. I have said on many occasions that I find myself giving updates about what I intend to do when I get the time to do it when I am not giving updates to others!
Let’s have a good year – conveyancing is a great profession to work in. Let’s be proud of what we do.
This is written by a real high street conveyancer who wishes to remain anonymous. Read more in Today’s Conveyancer every week.