Rooftop Mortgages Conveyancing Panel Sample Enquires to our Call Center from members of the public
Is the fact that my conveyancer is not isted on the Rooftop Mortgages Solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of his work?
It would not be wise to jump to that conclusion. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the firm and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for Rooftop Mortgages.
Expecting to move into my new home next Monday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as he says that he has to check this in has capacity as lawyer for Rooftop Mortgages. What risks do Rooftop Mortgages expect the insurance to cover?
Any lawyer on the Rooftop 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 Rooftop Mortgages’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Rooftop Mortgages). Being on the Rooftop Mortgages conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
Do all the firms listed on your directory have online case tracking as I was under the impression that this was a precondition of being on the Rooftop Mortgages solicitor panel?
No. There is no CML Part 2 or Building Society Association requirement relating to online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
I was supposed to complete on my first house last Friday. My lawyer’s firm is on the Rooftop Mortgages conveyancing panel but has moved offices 8 weeks ago and had not advised Rooftop Mortgages of their new address. Rooftop Mortgages has locked down the release of mortgage funds until such time as their systems are up to date with the correct details.
This is a rare situation indeed. Most lender Terms of Conveyancing Panel Appointment specifically oblige the solicitor to inform the lender of an address change. Your solicitor needs to treat this with the utmost urgency. Do speak with or register your concern with the senior partner (assuming he or she is not your direct lawyer). Most lenders would be reasonable in this situation and expedite the resolution of this issue. It may be prudent to enlist the help of your local Rooftop Mortgages branch or your mortgage broker to see if they can assist.
My wife and I have arranged a further advance on our mortgage from Rooftop Mortgages as we wish to carry out alterations or improvements our home. Do we need to appoint a solicitor on the Rooftop Mortgages conveyancing panel to deal with the paperwork?
Rooftop Mortgages would not normally appoint a member of 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 Rooftop Mortgages panel
Completion of my purchase has taken place with a mortgage from Rooftop Mortgages. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about Rooftop Mortgages. How does one go about formally complaining?
Most banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the Rooftop Mortgages branches or the Customer Care Team at Rooftop Mortgages head office. In most cases complaints to Rooftop Mortgages are sorted out very quickly. If you feel that the matter is not resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.
Rooftop Mortgages have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on house has been accepted, now what?
The estate agent will want to know who your solicitors are (make sure these solicitors are on the lenders panel). Call up Rooftop Mortgages or your broker and complete any relevant paperwork. Rooftop Mortgages will tell you what documents they want. Rooftop Mortgages will instruct a valuer. The valuer will get in touch with the estate agent or seller to book an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes about week to get a mortgage offer. Rooftop Mortgages will issue the offer to you and your lawyer. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing.