Frequently asked questions relating to the Paragon Mortgages Solicitor Panel from members of the public
I am in the process of selling my flat and the EA has just e-mailed to advise that the buyers are appointing a new property lawyer. I am told that this is due to the fact that Paragon Mortgages will only work with solicitors on their conveyancing panel. On what basis would a leading mortgage company only engage with specific law firms?
Lenders have always had an approved set of law firms they are willing to work with, but in the past few years big names such as Santander, have reviewed and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for more than 25 years.
Banks point to the increase in fraud by way of justification for the cull – criteria have been tightened and a smaller panel should be easier to keep an eye on. No lender will say how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society says it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels, or have other concerns about them. Some do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyer’s case. Your purchasers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.
I am due to move into my new home next Friday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as he informs me that he is duty bound to validate that it is in order for Paragon Mortgages. What risks do Paragon Mortgages expect the insurance to cover?
All property lawyers on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in Paragon Mortgages’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Paragon Mortgages). Being on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
Having used your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the Paragon Mortgages approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?
Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the Paragon Mortgages solicitor panel.
We're in Wales, FTBs buying with a mortgage (lender is Paragon Mortgages , but our solicitor is on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no conveyancer should guarantee a time-frame for your conveyancing due to third parties outside of our control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain
How can we tell if a solicitor on the Paragon Mortgages panel is any good?
obtaining recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advise that you speak with the solicitor conducting your transaction
We are getting a further advance on our mortgage from Paragon Mortgages as we wish to carry out alterations or improvements our home. Do we need to appoint a solicitor on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel to deal with the paperwork?
Paragon Mortgages do not ordinarily appoint firms on their conveyancing panel to deal with such a matter. If they did require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Paragon Mortgages panel
I have agreed a price on a house I spoke to a solicitor recommended by my mum and he advised using a solicitor approved by Paragon Mortgages. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Paragon Mortgages if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Paragon Mortgages suggested that either firm can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Paragon Mortgages 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Ask Paragon Mortgages to suggest a law firm in your location. Most banks have lawyers on their panel throughout the UK. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto Paragon Mortgages conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Paragon Mortgages’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.