Rob Hailstone recounts an experience with a contented conveyancer, and learns that an earlier instruction can go a long way when it comes to keeping the professionals happy.
A few days ago, I was invited to the head office of a major lender, an eye-opening experience, though that’s a story for another time. Since I was unusually out and about, I decided to drop in on one of the longest-standing BLG members. They prefer to remain anonymous, so let’s call them Ashley.
The last time I saw Ashley face-to-face was around the era of HIPs, nearly 20 years ago. We both started our careers in the mid-1970s, so I’ll admit I had certain expectations. I imagined that after a 50-year career in conveyancing, the strain might have taken its toll.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Ashley bounded in with the energy of Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh, enthusiastic, lively, and fully engaged, though thankfully more grounded in reality. It was immediately clear that this was someone who still genuinely enjoyed their work.
Now working from home under the umbrella of their long-standing firm, Ashley often chooses to work seven days a week. Naturally, I asked why. The answer was simple: “Because I love my job, my clients, and my business contacts.”
I pushed further. With increasing responsibilities and ever-growing administrative demands, how could that still be the case?
Ashley explained that their proactive approach makes all the difference. “My clients, many of them returning, and my contacts know I keep things moving. They rarely need to chase me.” As a result, Ashley avoids the constant interruptions that plague many conveyancers: the endless calls asking, “Why hasn’t this been done?” Calls that often interrupt the very work needed to move matters forward.
“I enjoy my work because people trust me to get on with it,” Ashley said. “Fewer interruptions, quicker transactions and better relationships all go hand in hand.”
That’s not to say everything is perfect. Ashley acknowledged that the steady expansion of compliance requirements, AML, Source of Funds checks, Building Safety Act obligations, and even the upcoming Tax Adviser status, is becoming excessive and, for many, unsustainable.
When I asked what single change would make the biggest difference, Ashley didn’t hesitate: “Earlier instruction.”
In other words, bringing conveyancers into the process before an offer is even accepted. “Even if I don’t prepare a full contract pack,” Ashley explained, “just completing the initial onboarding before a buyer is found can save significant time later.”
So how often does that happen?
“Not nearly enough,” came the reply. “Even though I don’t charge for onboarding, aside from disbursements, agents are still reluctant to involve conveyancers when a property first goes on the market. Yet when they do, transactions proceed more smoothly, more quickly, and with far less stress for everyone involved.”
The conclusion seems obvious, to me at least: improving the home buying and selling process needn’t be complicated.
Conveyancers: Charge well and manage your caseloads.
Agents: Try to get your sellers to instruct a conveyancer earlier and allow them the time and space to do the job they’re trained and paid to do.
I put one final question to Ashley: “Any thoughts of retirement?”
“Not for at least another five years,” Ashley replied. “What else would I do?”
About the author
Rob Hailstone is founder of Bold Legal Group, which serves as a help, advice, information and support network for conveyancers. Formerly a residential conveyancer for over 30 years, his specialities include residential conveyancing, LSA, ABS, OFR, CQS, PII, lender panels, chancel repair and overriding interests and unilateral notices.
