There can be overlap in the services that conveyancers and real estate agents provide, but they are ultimately two different professions. If you're thinking of buying or selling a property, it's important to understand how each can help you. In this article, we'll explain the key difference between a conveyancer and a real estate agent in Melbourne.
What Is A Conveyancer?
A conveyancer or a conveyancing lawyer is a specialist in property law. In Victoria, all conveyancing must be conducted by a licensed conveyancer or lawyer.
A conveyancer will oversee the legal transfer of ownership from one person to another. This includes preparing and lodgement of legal documents, as well as ensuring that all required searches are undertaken (e.g. title search, planning search). Conveyancers will also liaise with the lender, agent, and other relevant parties to ensure a smooth settlement process.
What Is A Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is someone who is licensed to sell or rent properties on behalf of the owner. In Victoria, all agents must be licensed by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
A real estate agent can provide a range of services, from marketing the property and organizing open for inspections to negotiating the sale price and helping with the paperwork. Once a sale is agreed upon, the real estate agent will also be involved in managing the settlement process.
So, What's The Difference?
The main difference between a conveyancer and a real estate agent is that conveyancers specialize in the legal aspects of buying and selling property, while real estate agents focus on the marketing and sale of the property.
While you can use either a conveyancer or a real estate agent to help with your property transaction, it's important to understand that they provide different services. If you're unsure about which professional to use, it's a good idea to seek advice from your solicitor or accountant.
Which One Should You Use?
If you're thinking of buying or selling property in Melbourne, you'll need to engage the services of a conveyancing lawyer. Real estate agents can provide helpful assistance with marketing and negotiating the sale of your property, but they cannot complete the legal transfer of ownership.
Whether you are buying or selling a property, a conveyancing lawyer in Melbourne will be able to provide legal advice and assistance specific to your transaction, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
A conveyancer will oversee the legal transfer of ownership from one person to another. This includes preparing and lodgement of legal documents, as well as ensuring that all required searches are undertaken (e.g. title search, planning search). Conveyancers will also liaise with the lender, agent, and other relevant parties to ensure a smooth settlement process.
So if you want someone to manage the legal aspects of your property transaction, you'll need to engage the services of a conveyancing lawyer in Melbourne.
How Much Does A Conveyancer Cost?
The cost of engaging a conveyancer or lawyer will vary depending on the complexity of your transaction and the fees charged by the professional you engage. Typically charge between $800 and $2000 (excluding GST) for standard residential property transactions. However, if your transaction is more complex, such as a commercial property transaction or transfer of ownership following a relationship breakdown, you can expect to pay more. Be sure to ask your conveyancer for a fee estimate before they begin work on your behalf.
When comparing conveyancing quotes, it's important to make sure you are aware of all the costs involved. Some firms may charge additional fees for disbursements (e.g. title search fees, registration fees), so be sure to ask about these before you make your decision.
What Are The Steps In A Conveyancing Transaction?
There are a few steps involved in a conveyancing transaction, which include:
1. The first step is to engage the services of a conveyancer or lawyer.
2. Once you have engaged the services of a professional, they will begin preparing the necessary paperwork for your transaction.
3. The next step is to submit an offer on the property you wish to purchase.
4. If your offer is accepted, the next step is to sign a contract of sale.
5. Once the contract is signed, the next step is to pay a deposit.
6. The final step is to attend settlement, where the balance of the purchase price is paid and you take ownership of the property.
Those are just some of the steps involved in a conveyancing transaction.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Conveyancing Lawyer?
There are many benefits of using a conveyancer or lawyer to manage your property transaction, including:
- They will ensure that all the legal aspects of your transaction are taken care of from start to finish. This includes preparing and lodgement of legal documents, as well as ensuring that all required searches are undertaken.
- They will liaise with the lender, agent, and other relevant parties to ensure a smooth settlement process.
- They can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your transaction is being managed by a professional who has your best interests at heart.
- They can save you time and stress by taking care of the paperwork and legwork associated with your transaction.
Those are just some of the benefits of using a conveyancer or lawyer to manage your property transaction.
What Are The Things You Need To Consider When Hiring A Conveyancing Lawyer?
When hiring a conveyancer or lawyer, there are a few things you need to consider, including:
- Experience: You'll want to make sure that the professional you engage has experience in managing property transactions.
- Reputation: Make sure to do your research and read reviews from past clients to get an idea of the quality of service you can expect.
- Cost: As with any service, you'll want to compare costs before making a decision. Make sure to get quotes from a few different conveyancers or lawyers to get an idea of the average cost.
- Communication: Make sure that you feel comfortable communicating with the professional you engage. This is important, as you'll need to be able to discuss your transaction openly and honestly.
Those are just some of the things you need to consider when hiring a conveyancer or lawyer.
Where Can I Find A Conveyancing Lawyer?
If you're looking for a conveyancing lawyer, there are a few different places you can look, including:
- Your local law society: The law society in your state or territory will be able to provide you with a list of qualified and experienced conveyancing lawyers.
- Google: A simple Google search will provide you with a list of conveyancing lawyers in your area.
- Word of mouth: Ask your friends, family, or colleagues if they have any recommendations for a good conveyancing lawyer.
Those are just some of the places you can look if you're looking for a conveyancing lawyer.
Contact A Conveyancing Lawyer In Melbourne
Are you looking for a conveyancing lawyer in Melbourne? If so, look no further than LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne. They have a team of experienced and qualified conveyancing lawyers who can assist you with all aspects of your property transaction.
LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne has been assisting clients with their property transactions for many years. They are renowned for their high level of service and customer satisfaction and will take care of all the legal aspects of your transaction for you. So, if you're looking for a conveyancing lawyer, make sure to contact LEAD Conveyancing Melbourne.
