FAQs : The Godiva Mortgages Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
I instructed a law firm to conduct the legal paperwork on my remortgage 4 weeks ago having applied for a mortgage with Godiva Mortgages. The law firm reassured me that they are on Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel and gave me their panel number. Godiva Mortgages then called me to say that their panel number was dormant and would need to be reactivated. What do I do from here? Should I appoint a new solicitor currently on the conveyancing panel for Godiva Mortgages?
You may be very frustrated with the lawyer but if it only go take a few more days they it may be worth waiting as, depending on how far progressed you are you may end up delaying the transaction by a number of weeks if you need to replace your solicitor You may wish to enlist the help of your broker to check with the Godiva Mortgages as to the time frame to get your lawyer reinstated on the panel once again.
We are due to exchange on the purchase a house but as a result of damage from the recent storms I have agreed compensation from the seller of £3k approx by way of a reduction in the price. This was going to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process but my mortgage company Godiva Mortgages will not agree to this. Why was Godiva Mortgages even consulted?
Your lawyer being on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel is duty bound to inform Godiva Mortgages of any changes to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your lawyers to disclose the reduction to Godiva Mortgages then they would have to discontinue acting for you and Godiva Mortgages.
Do all the firms listed on your search have online case tracking as I understood that this was a condition of being on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel?
The Council of Mortgage Lenders or BSA do not require online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
I am considering applying for a Godiva Mortgages mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) with 60% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Godiva Mortgages?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but Godiva Mortgages will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I previously instructed online conveyancers based in Cardiff who are on the Godiva Mortgages solicitor panel. They have just invoiced me a separate fee of £175 for dealing with the Godiva Mortgages mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee set by Godiva Mortgages?
Unfortunately, as long as it is in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your solicitors can charge a fee for this. This fee is not set by Godiva Mortgages but by your lawyers. Some firms on the Godiva Mortgages will charge an ‘acting for lender’ fee but plenty of firms include it on their overall fee.
I have agreed a price on a house I spoke to a solicitor previously used by my dad and he recommended instructing a law firm approved by Godiva Mortgages. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Godiva Mortgages if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Godiva Mortgages pointed out that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Godiva Mortgages 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of Godiva Mortgages for conveyancing panel firms in your area. 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 Godiva 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 Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Godiva 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.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with Godiva Mortgages. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Godiva Mortgages you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel.
