Buying Tips #7 Do I Need a Legal Representative?

Something else to consider when buying your own home is selecting a legal representative. There are two options: solicitors or conveyancers. Solicitors are general legal practitioners who may specialise in handling property transactions (i.e. not all solicitors are qualified to handle the sale of your house). Conveyancers are certified in the specific area of property and all are equipped to adequately advise you.

Either way, you will need a legal representative. Unless you come from a legal or paralegal background, it’s wise to get someone to read over your contract.

Your legal representative is on your team. Think of it as you paying them to use their trained eye to look around corners on your behalf – to see things like potholes and loopholes that you might have missed. They are trained to look out for these things and their involvement will prevent you from falling into any traps.

A wise buyer hires a legal representative to look over the paperwork and navigate a smooth transaction. They will not only look at the implications of particular clauses, but at the wording and understand the different possible interpretations of what the seller’s side has drafted the clauses.

While you do need to be very careful and diligent, by wisely hiring a legal representative, you’re essentially paying them to watch your back. Therefore, they are a very valuable member of your buying team.

So do your homework. You could ask around for a referral or perhaps a trusted friend has already been through the same process. There are lots of good representatives around, however if it is a Victorian transaction, we recommend an in-state solicitor or conveyancer. Talk soon!