J&G Collie Publication

Buying a property is the biggest single transaction that most of us will

ever face. The one person, above all others, you definitely need on

your side is your solicitor. We are highly trained individuals who are

aware of all the problems and pitfalls which can arise when selling

or purchasing a property and we are here to advise and guide you

throughout the entire process. If you think that all you have to do is

find the perfect property and agree the purchase price, this is only

the starting point and it is imperative to realise that once you are

committed to your sale or purchase there is much more involved

thereafter.

At James & George Collie, we offer a totally comprehensive range of

services not only in the field of property sales and purchases but also

financial services, trust and executry and all private client matters.

The biggest single advantage of utilising our services is that we can

deal with all aspects of your property sale and purchase, comprising

of estate agency, negotiation and all conveyancing matters, including

mortgage advice and arrangement under one roof. It is literally a

‘one stop’ service.

We are well aware that clients are frequently confused by technical

jargon, which will inevitably appear during the course of a purchase

or sale. We do our utmost to ensure that you are fully aware of what

is happening at each stage of the process, without bothering you

with matters of technical detail which you rightly rely on us to deal

with. Communication is essential and we always try to keep you fully

informed at all stages to ensure that the whole process of your sale

and/or purchase progresses smoothly.

The legal process on Sale/Purchase

The first stage in all purchase/sale transactions is for a formal offer

to be made by the purchasers’ solicitor to the sellers’ solicitor. That

offer will then be accepted by the other party and on an exchange of

letters (called missives), there is a legally binding contract.

It is very important to realise that this happens towards the beginning

of the whole transaction and both parties are legally bound as soon

as the offer and acceptance letters have been exchanged. Unlike

other systems, the property is not sold/purchased subject to contract

– the contract in Scotland can occur at effectively day one and both

parties are legally bound. It is, therefore, essential that your solicitor

is in control of matters at this time to ensure that no commitment is

made without all the details of the transaction having been agreed.

The conveyancing process involves examination of title deeds and the

appropriate searches to ensure that on completion all the relevant

matters have been fully checked out and found to be in order. All

the formalities involved in the conveyancing are designed to protect

your interests and to ensure that, so far as is possible, you have all the

facts in front of you before the transaction completes. Nothing can

be worse than to move into your new home to find that there were

matters which, had you been aware of them at the time, you may not

have made the decision which you took at the time.

The conveyancing process may sound fairly simple but in fact is very

complex. It does require meticulous attention to detail and, of course,

up to date knowledge of not only the conveyancing process but how

local authorities and lenders operate as their requirements need to

be accommodated as well. All financial aspects are taken care of by

us and it is our remit to ensure that your funds are available in time for

settlement and that completion takes place on the agreed entry date.

As you will have gathered, there is a great deal more to buying a

house than you may have at first appreciated and there are many

areas which need our expert attention - not only in connection with

the purchase/sale but also in respect of the financial implications

and matters relating to your personal situation, wills etc. During the

course of your transaction we will make you aware of all matters

which you need to consider and will be happy to provide you with

expert advice tailored to suit your own personal circumstances.

Why do I need to use a Solicitor?