I don’t want to show my age but when I was trying to buy my first flat I looked every week in the Glasgow Herald where properties for sale were advertised. I think Tuesday may have been property day but I am not too sure. I would wander down Byres Road looking in all the Estate Agents’ windows and going in to collect paper Sales Schedules for any properties I was interested in. I put my name down on the mailing list with each Estate Agent who would then post out details of properties that may be suitable.
How different things are today? We look at properties online, check out the location, peruse Home Reports and get advice but no two homebuyers are alike and need to get legal advice tailored for their own personal circumstances. An over reliance on technology can be risky as each transaction has its own dynamics and technology is unlikely to hold all the answers. Think on-if you have a sore ear you may go to the internet to find out about the causes of your pain but your doctor is the one who will be able to do something about it.
The same applies to purchasers and sellers. Every property is individual, title deeds need to be checked, reports obtained and understood, loan papers received and explained, alterations considered and specialist treatment work investigated. Purchasers and sellers need to understand the process and progress of a transaction. Buying or selling can be very stressful and has an emotional effect on people. Excitement from buying your first property, sadness when selling the home of your recently deceased mother, pride in moving up the property ladder, disappointment and distress in selling a matrimonial home after the breakdown of a marriage. These feelings cannot be shared or understood by the use of technology.
Technology has its place but having a competent and understanding solicitor acting for you is irreplaceable.
If I can help please contact me ajg@mitchells-roberton.co.uk or by phone 0141 552 3422. I would be delighted to hear from you.