Ashley Shepard, Solicitor Apprentice at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, says new tech is streamlining the conveyancing process, while the team still offers its personal service on your high street.
Anyone who’s ever bought or sold a house knows the frustration. You feel you’ve provided everything, yet the process still takes longer than expected.
There are financial documents, proof of identity, property details, and information about fixtures and fittings – the list goes on. Add in posting documents, multiple emails, or even handdelivering paperwork, and it can all feel slow and disjointed.
That’s why Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors have introduced a bespoke app that brings everything together in one place, so you always know exactly where you stand.
Technology will never replace our commitment to personal service. We understand that digital communication isn’t for everyone, which is why our team is always available by phone or in our town centre offices. But for those who value flexibility, the app comes into its own – allowing you to upload documents and complete tasks at a time that suits you, following a clear step-bystep process.
This focus on client service is reflected in our recent recognition on the Review Solicitors website, where we were ranked in the top 10% of firms in the UK for Housing and Property Law.
Prepare yourself
There’s plenty you can do before finding your dream home, and we’d always encourage speaking to us as early as possible.
Start by gathering your personal ID, such as your photo identification and National Insurance details. Buyers will also need to provide financial evidence showing where purchase funds are coming from – this could include savings, gifts, or loans from family. If you require a mortgage, apply as early as possible, as delays here are common.
We are legally required to carry out these checks to prevent money laundering, so having everything ready in advance will help keep things moving.
Once you’ve chosen a property, we’ll need details such as any extensions and boundary information. It’s also important to arrange surveys promptly, as surveyors often have busy schedules.
Even if you’ve moved before, processes and regulations change, so early advice is always valuable.
It’s all in the timing
A typical house sale or purchase takes around 12 to 16 weeks. While some may promise faster timelines, this can lead to unrealistic expectations. Much depends on other parties involved, and many factors are beyond a solicitor’s control.
A busy property market can add to delays, with hold-ups from mortgage lenders, searches, postal issues, or agreement of completion dates. One delay can affect the entire chain.
Being proactive can help – keep in touch with your estate agent, mortgage broker, and other parties rather than assuming progress is being made.
More about our app
The Cartmell Shepherd conveyancing app is designed to speed up the early stages of a transaction. In the time it takes to send an email, you can upload documents and track progress instantly.
Built-in guidance ensures you provide exactly what’s needed, reducing errors and avoiding delays. There’s no printing or posting, everything is secure, and payments can also be handled within the app.
It also allows us to calculate costs such as Stamp Duty early on, giving you clarity from the outset.
By giving you full visibility of what’s completed and what’s still required, the app helps keep transactions moving smoothly and can save significant time in the initial stages.
Smooth, streamlined, proactive and transparent – that’s exactly what we aim to deliver.
If you’re planning to buy or sell, please get in touch to see how we can help you move as efficiently as possible.
This column is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For an initial chat, contact Ashley and the team on 01434 603656 or email enquiries@cartmells.co.uk